Dhanushadham: Prolonged drought has hampered paddy cultivation in eight districts of Madhesh Province, with only 77 percent of the target area sown so far. According to Jitendra Yadav, Director of the Directorate of Agricultural Development, Bara recorded the highest sowing rate at 95 percent, while Mahottari saw the lowest at 61.5 percent.

Cultivation Falls Short of Target
Of the province’s 542,581 hectares of cultivable land, 372,645 hectares were allocated for paddy this season. However, sowing has been completed on just 285,335 hectares. Farmers have been relying on the Boring, Gandak, Koshi, and Bagmati canals to offset low rainfall, but the drying up of the Kamala River in Dhanusha has further complicated irrigation.

Production Loss and Relief Efforts
Director Yadav warned that delayed planting will reduce overall paddy production in the province by about 27 percent, with a maximum of 80 percent sowing expected this year. The provincial government has introduced the Underground Irrigation Management Assistance Program to aid drought-affected farmers, attracting 22,052 applications.

Budget Shortfall for Assistance
Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh stated that while Rs 180 million has been allocated for the relief program, the amount is insufficient. The province is awaiting a decision from the federal government on additional support.