Kathmandu: The 20th National Paddy Day is being celebrated today throughout Nepal, marking an important occasion in the country. In 2061 BS, the government decided to designate Ashad 15 of the Nepali calendar as National Paddy Day and Paddy Cultivation Festival, a tradition upheld every year since.

This festival highlights rice cultivation, the consumption of traditional delicacies such as curd and beaten rice, and participation in cultural activities such as singing, mud-throwing, and merrymaking. Paddy, which is a major crop not only in Nepal but also in South Asia as a whole, takes center stage during this festive occasion.

The government's primary objective is to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production by implementing various measures. These measures include conserving land for paddy cultivation, promoting the use of clean and healthy seeds, expanding irrigation facilities, and developing hybrid and disease-resistant rice varieties. Currently, paddy is cultivated on approximately 47 percent of Nepal's total cultivable land.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has extended his best wishes to all on this significant day. He highlighted the government's efforts to enhance paddy production, including the expansion of irrigation systems, subsidies for chemical fertilizers and seeds, adoption of modern technology, and investment in research and development.

The Prime Minister cautioned, however, that climate change impacts such as droughts, heavy rainfall, inadequate rainfall, natural disasters, and the spread of diseases could affect the target of paddy production and pose challenges to the country's food security.

Given this context, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of developing climate-resilient paddy species and new technologies to increase paddy production. These efforts aim to reduce reliance on rice and paddy imports, ensuring self-reliance in food production for the country.

The government recognizes the significance of adapting to changing climatic conditions and adopting innovative approaches to sustain and enhance paddy cultivation in Nepal.