Pokhara, 7 December| Paddy production in the Sunsari district has significantly declined this year due to unseasonal rainfall. According to Praveen Lal Shrestha, Information Officer at the District Agriculture Knowledge Centre, the total paddy production saw a decrease of 5,392 metric tons compared to last year. While the district produced 217,068 metric tons last year, this year’s production dropped to 211,676 metric tons.
Paddy is cultivated across 48,009 hectares in the district. The continuous unseasonal rains that occurred on October 30 and 31 (Kartik 13 and 14) damaged nearly 14,000 hectares of paddy fields, leading to the substantial dip in production. Shrestha noted that despite initial delays in planting due to insufficient early rainfall, subsequent favourable weather conditions and a low incidence of pests and diseases had raised hopes for increased yields. However, the untimely rainfall during the crucial harvesting and maturing period caused the damage and reduced the final output. Key paddy production areas in Sunsari include Barahkshetra, Ramdhuni, Koshi, Inaruwa, Dewanganj, Barju, and Duhabi, where farmers primarily cultivate varieties like Radha, Barahtharhara, Sabitri, Sunaulo Sugandha, Loktantra, Kalo Poke, Loknath, Ram, and Basmati.
