Tanahun, Nepal – A total of 1,177 metric tons of Chaite (spring season) paddy has been produced in Tanahun district over the past year under the Chaite Paddy Promotion Program. The program, initiated under the priority of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land Management and Cooperatives, aimed to boost paddy production during the spring season.
According to the Agriculture Knowledge Center, Tanahun, the program was implemented across 5,000 ropani of land through 12 farmer cooperatives. It focused on a cluster-based farming approach, where each cluster required a minimum of 50 ropani of land to participate.
The program had a total budget allocation of NPR 5.85 million, out of which NPR 4.294 million was utilized. Gopal Sharma Lamichhane, Chief of the Agriculture Knowledge Center, informed that the project was carried out through farmer groups and cooperatives to enhance collective farming and efficient resource use.
Under this initiative, subsidies ranging from 75 to 85 percent were provided to farmers. The support package included the distribution of 8,100 kilograms of paddy seeds, 14 mini-tillers, 4 combine mills, 32 sprayers, 1 multi-crop thresher, 246 tarpaulin sheets, 3 digital weighing machines, and 200 jute sacks. Additionally, 803 meters of irrigation canal were constructed as part of infrastructure development.
Several cooperatives and farmer groups received direct financial assistance under the program. Milijuli Agriculture Cooperative in Aabukhaireni–2 received NPR 193,624, while Asaubote Premnagar Organic Agriculture Group in Bandipur–3 received NPR 356,476. Similarly, Risti Madi Farmers Group in Byas–8 received NPR 521,261, Phulbari Farmers Group in Byas–9 received NPR 106,725, and Tilahar Agriculture Cooperative in Bhanu–4 received NPR 477,539.
Other groups that benefited include Bhimad Small Agriculture Cooperative (NPR 221,250), Chandeshwari Fruits and Vegetables Farmers Group (NPR 276,908), Syagetari Farmers Group (NPR 355,539), Ambote Farmers Group (NPR 376,486), Tulsi Farmers Group (NPR 518,024), Kyangdi Khola Creative IPM Farmers Group (NPR 348,266), and Unique Abhiyan Agriculture Cooperative (NPR 242,250).
Officials stated that the Chaite Paddy Promotion Program has significantly contributed to increased rice production in the district and empowered local farmers by providing access to modern agricultural tools, quality seeds, and irrigation facilities.
