Kanchanpur, October 7
Early weather warnings have made it easier for farmers in Kanchanpur to decide when to harvest paddy and protect their crops from rain and floods.
For years, farmers relied on the sky and their own judgment to determine when to harvest. Now, many check weather forecasts before entering their fields. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology provides information on the likelihood and amount of rainfall and other weather conditions. Farmers can also call the department’s toll-free number 1155 for updates.
Nilam Karki of Saraswati Tole in Krishnapur Municipality-2 grows paddy on five katthas of land. She said the forecasts have made harvest decisions easier.
“Earlier, we had to look at the clouds and make our own judgment about when to harvest. Now, weather forecasts have made it much easier,” Karki said.
Nirmala Badu of the same municipality, who grows paddy on four katthas, also checks the forecast before harvesting.
Farmers also receive siren and mobile phone alerts when river levels rise and flood risks increase.
Bisan Pant of Bedkot Municipality-7 said timely warnings have helped reduce flood-related crop losses.
According to the Agriculture Knowledge Centre, Kanchanpur, paddy is cultivated on 48,496 hectares of the district’s 56,363 hectares of cultivable land.
