Kathmandu, December 1
Due to the unseasonal rainfall that occurred from October 31 to November 2, the paddy crop has suffered massive damage, according to a report by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
According to the report, the unseasonal rain directly affected 20,001 hectares of paddy fields across the country. The initial estimate suggests that this has led to a reduction of around 75,674 tons in paddy production.
As a result of this production loss, the ministry has assessed that the country has incurred an economic loss equivalent to Rs 2.66 billion.
At the district level, Jhapa has been the most affected district in terms of paddy damage. Data shows that around 4,364 hectares of paddy fields in the district have been damaged.
On the other hand, Bardiya has faced relatively minimal damage, with only 5 hectares of paddy fields affected, according to the report.
Province-wise Damage Details
Koshi Province
Koshi Province appears to be the most affected by the unseasonal rainfall. In 14 districts including, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Udaypur, Ilam, Panchthar, Taplejung, Dhankuta, Tehrathum, Bhojpur, Khotang, Solukhumbu, Okhaldhunga, and Sankhuwasabha, 12,432 hectares of paddy fields have been affected.
This has led to a reduction of 56,267 tons of paddy production and an economic loss equivalent to Rs 2.01 billion.
Madhesh Province
In Madhesh Province, eight districts, Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, and Parsa, have suffered damage to 416 hectares of paddy fields. This has resulted in a reduction of 1,297 tons of paddy and an economic loss of Rs 413.38 million.
Bagmati Province
In the 10 districts of Bagmati Province, Kavrepalanchok, Chitwan, Dolakha, Dhading, Nuwakot, Makwanpur, Rasuwa, Ramechhap, Sindhupalchok, and Sindhuli, 6,066 hectares of paddy fields have been affected. This has caused a reduction of 13,730 tons of paddy and an economic loss of Rs 453.53 million.
Gandaki Province
In Gandaki Province, 111 hectares of paddy fields in Nawalparasi (East of Bardaghat Susta) have been damaged. This has resulted in a reduction of 521 tons of paddy production and an economic loss of Rs 180.61 million.
Lumbini Province
In Lumbini Province, Rupandehi, Nawalparasi, Kapilvastu, Bardiya, Palpa, and Arghakhanchi, 596 hectares of paddy fields have been affected. This has led to a reduction of 3,858 tons of paddy and an economic loss of Rs 136.23 million, according to the ministry’s report.
