Agriculture Department Recommends Support Price for Chaite Rice

March 30, Kathmandu – The Agriculture Department has recommended a support price for Chaite rice. The department submitted a detailed report based on field studies conducted in 25 districts to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development to ensure fair pricing for farmers. The report analyzed production costs, seeds, fertilizers, labor, inflation, market prices, and production expenses to determine the recommended price, according to the department’s Director General, Prakash Sanjel.

Following the on-site studies, a scientific price proposal covering production costs, transportation expenses, market rates, and other relevant factors was received, said the ministry’s Information Officer, Mahananda Joshi. He added that stakeholders have been consulted regarding the proposed per quintal price and preparations are underway to present the proposal to the Council of Ministers. The price will be publicly announced only after approval by the council.

Moisture standards for rice will also be taken into account to finalize the support price for farmers’ produce. The ministry stated that if the moisture content is up to 18%, the fixed price will apply, while any moisture content exceeding 18% will result in a weight reduction according to established rules. The government will purchase rice at the fixed price through the Food Management and Trading Company Limited. Last year, the government had set the support price at NPR 2,800 per quintal. – Rastriya Samachar Samiti