National Paddy Day 2083 Nepal observed its 23rd National Paddy Day (Rashtriya Dhan Diwas) on Ashadh 15, 2083 BS. The festival, widely known as Ropain Jatra, marks the auspicious start of the annual monsoon rice planting season.
In the context of Nepal, rice is cultivated in two seasons: Chaite and Barkhe. Among these, the Barkhe paddy is predominantly cultivated. It is observed that 5.955 million metric tons of paddy are produced in an area of approximately 1.42 million hectares, with a productivity of 4.19 tons per hectare.
The agricultural sector accounts for 25.16 per cent of the country’s total GDP, and the annual growth rate of the agricultural sector in the total GDP is 3.28 per cent, according to the National Statistics Office, 2082.
Approximately 57.3 per cent of the country’s total population is engaged in agriculture. Rice, which ranks first among Nepal’s major cereal crops in terms of area, production, and productivity, plays a significant role in food security. Rice, which is directly linked to poverty alleviation, food security, sanitation, and sovereignty in Nepal, also indirectly connects with our culture.
As long as the farmer’s sweat flows in the fields, the country’s kitchen will not be empty. May the 23rd National Paddy Day and Plantation Festival 2083 inspire us all to be more responsible towards food, farmers, and agricultural culture.
May our folk songs, Asare songs, traditional tools like the plough and yoke, and agricultural culture be preserved. Let there be a joint effort from the state, community, and farmers in the conservation and promotion of indigenous rice varieties. Happy National Paddy Day!