Kathmandu, June 29
Today marks National Paddy Day in Nepal, a celebration held annually on Asar 15. Traditionally observed by eating dahi chiura (yogurt and beaten rice), the day symbolises energy and refreshment, particularly for farmers engaged in strenuous rice planting during the monsoon season. It is widely believed that eating dahi chiura helps restore strength and cool the body after working in the fields.
While the festival is rooted in agricultural life, people from other professions also observe the day by sharing dahi chiura with family and friends. National Paddy Day was officially established by a ministerial decision on 29 Mangsir 2061 BS and has been celebrated since Asar 15, 2062 BS, reflecting Nepal’s identity as an agrarian nation where a large portion of the population depends on farming.
Farmers are particularly busy this month preparing for the year’s rice harvest. Across Nepal, the day is often marked by singing traditional songs and planting rice while splashing in the muddy fields. It is culturally believed that everyone should step into the paddy field at least once during Asar.
However, this year’s celebration comes amid serious challenges. Many farmers have been unable to transplant rice on time due to insufficient rainfall in several regions. On top of that, they continue to face shortages of chemical fertilizers—a problem that has plagued Nepali agriculture for years.
Farmers across the country have expressed concern over the unavailability of fertilizers at the time they need them most. Despite these complaints, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development claims that fertilizer stocks are sufficient. According to official data, as of Asar 12, 2082 BS, the government has over 60,712 metric tons of chemical fertilizers in storage. This includes urea, DAP (diammonium phosphate), and potash.
For the current fiscal year 2081/82 BS, the government allocated Rs 27.97 billion to supply 550,000 metric tons of fertilizers. Tenders have already been completed through Salt Trading Corporation and Agriculture Inputs Company Limited, and the ministry says 363,236 metric tons have been supplied so far.
In addition, 34,000 metric tons of urea imported from Kolkata has entered Nepal but has yet to reach company warehouses. A shipment of 30,000 metric tons of urea imported by the Agriculture Inputs Company is still in Kolkata. Another 22,000 metric tons of urea imported by Salt Trading is on its way, and a shipment of 30,000 metric tons of DAP is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata by Asar 25 (July 9).
Despite the government’s data and reassurances, many farmers say the fertilizer still hasn’t reached them when they need it most. This disconnect between official claims and ground realities continues to hinder timely rice planting. Repeated promises to solve the fertilizer crisis have yet to translate into real-time action, leaving farmers frustrated and uncertain at the start of a critical planting season.
