Janakpur, August 2, 2025
Despite the onset of the monsoon and the declaration of Madhesh Province as a disaster-affected zone for three months, only 57.27% of the cultivable land has seen paddy transplantation so far this season. The data, released by the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives of Madhesh Province, highlights a growing agricultural crisis in one of Nepal’s key rice-producing regions.
Out of the 542,580 hectares of cultivable land across the province, approximately 372,645 hectares are generally used for paddy farming. As of now, only 213,348 hectares have been planted—significantly lower than the normal progress expected by this point in the season.
Four Districts Stable, Others in Peril
While the overall scenario is concerning, paddy plantation in four districts—Parsa, Bara, Rautahat, and Sarlahi—has been deemed relatively satisfactory. Parsa and Bara lead with plantation coverage of 85% and 83% respectively, followed by Rautahat (73%) and Sarlahi (65%), according to senior livestock officer Dr. Saroj Chaudhary.
However, severe setbacks are reported in Mahottari, Saptari, Dhanusha, and Siraha—districts already declared drought-prone by the provincial government. Mahottari (39.73%), Saptari (40%), and Dhanusha (40%) have recorded less than 50% plantation. Siraha barely reached the halfway mark with 50% coverage.
Unreliable Rain, Strained Irrigation
Farmers are struggling with unreliable rainfall that has failed to moisten the fields adequately for planting. As a result, shallow tube wells and submersible pumps have become the only lifeline for many. But even these groundwater sources are showing signs of stress.
“I've been cultivating paddy on three bighas with only rainwater, but the seedbeds are drying up. Even the boring wells are yielding less water now,” said farmer Baualal Yadav from Mahottari. “At this point, I’m more worried about saving the existing crops than planting more.”
Systemic Failures and Policy Gaps
The monsoon season—especially the months of Ashar and Shrawan—is critical for rice cultivation. However, lack of pre-season preparedness continues to plague Nepal’s agricultural governance.
“There’s a tendency to plan only after the crisis hits,” lamented farmer Shyam Yadav. “We still struggle for irrigation, fertilizers, quality seeds, subsidies, loans, and electricity—basic necessities for any farmer.”
Call for Long-Term Interventions
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Janardan Singh Kshetri acknowledged the deepening crisis and advocated for sustainable solutions. “We need to invest in long-term irrigation infrastructure, such as diverting water from rivers like Kamala and Bagmati through east-west canal systems. If Madhesh turns barren, even the hill regions will face food insecurity.”
He emphasized the paradox: “There is water flowing through the Kamala, Bagmati, and Koshi rivers, yet farmers just meters away are desperate for irrigation.”
Immediate Support Programs Underway
In response, the provincial ministry has launched a support initiative through district Agricultural Knowledge Centers. Farmers are being invited to apply for the installation of shallow tube wells, submersible pumps, and solar-powered irrigation systems. The program has reportedly seen enthusiastic participation.
Editorial Insight
The unfolding situation in Madhesh underscores how climate variability, weak institutional coordination, and lack of anticipatory planning are exacerbating vulnerabilities in Nepal’s agri-dependent provinces. Unless the government swiftly integrates short-term relief with long-term resilience strategies, the country risks not just crop failure—but broader food security challenges.
