Kathmandu, June 29
The 15th of Asar (around June-end) is a big day for Nepal, where rice is a staple diet.
The country observes this day as Ropain Jatra or Dhan Divas (Paddy Day), the government-designated day that marks the start of a paddy transplantation season.
On this day, farmers transplant paddy, not forgetting to make fun on the sidelines by singing songs, splashing each other with sludge, eating and drinking, mostly, the homemade brew. They transplant paddy, hoping that yields will go up this time.
They also feast on curd and beaten rice, which gives them energy to transplant paddy in the scorching sun or drenching rain.
There’s one more cause for celebration this year: Experts hope this year paddy yield will increase, thanks to favourable climatic conditions. Due to adequate rainfall, paddy transplantation has begun on right time this year. The Ministry of Agriculture Development also hopes paddy yield will go up.
Three years ago, the paddy yield stood at 50.7 metric tonne. In the last fiscal, the yield was at 47.88 MT. The ministry estimates that paddy yield will increase by 7.73 MT, provided climate conditions are favourable.
(Photo from Onlinekhabar shoot)
