Kathmandu, August 17: The country recorded around 98 percent paddy plantation this year. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, nearly 1.3 million hectares of land was cultivated with paddy.

In the last fiscal year, there was only 90 percent paddy plantation till Mid-August. So, the plantation was increased by eight percent this year.

The rise in paddy plantation was ensured with the adequate rainfall across the country. Information Officer at the Ministry, Mahanand Joshi, informed that the production of rice is also expected to increase this year.

According to him, 100 percent paddy planting was done in Sudurpaschim Province, while in Koshi Province, it was less than 95 percent. In the last fiscal year, 99 percent of the planting was done in Sudurpaschim Province and 60 percent in Madhes Province.

Similarly, in the fiscal year, 2080/81, import of paddy and rice amounted Rs 21.34 billion, while in the fiscal year, 2079/80, the import was of Rs. 35.90 billion.

Joshi further informed that production of rice is expected to increase by nearly six percent this year, to help reduce rice and imports.