Farmers in Jumla Engage in Planting Marsi Rice

22 Jestha, Jumla – Farmers in the region have begun planting Kalimarsi rice. Farmers from all eight local units are actively involved in transplanting Marsi rice. Laxmi Kumain from Chandannath Municipality noted that the demand in the market has increased significantly, which has heightened interest in cultivating Marsi rice. This variety of rice is primarily produced only in Jumla.

In Chhumchaur, Paatarasi Rural Municipality—one of the highest settlements in the world—the planting of both black and red Marsi rice has been completed, according to Vice Chairperson Janmaya Rokaya. The Chandannath-Bhairavnath Guthi Management Committee has also reported that transplanting in Shera Jyulo, located within the precincts of the famous Chandannath and Bhairavnath temples, is finished. Approximately 2,888 hectares of paddy are cultivated across the district.

Of this, about 1,068 hectares are dedicated to Jumli Marsi production, informed Rambhakta Adhikari, Chief of the Agricultural Development Office. Between Kartik and the end of Falgun last year, roughly 175 metric tons of Jumli Marsi rice were sold outside the district, generating income of around NPR 35 million. He expressed confidence that traditional Jumli Marsi rice production could become more productive with technological improvements. Currently, the Agricultural Research Center is conducting research on Jumli Marsi rice and has recommended cultivars Chandannath-1 and Chandannath-3 to farmers. Additionally, the Agricultural Development Office’s chief indicated that new varieties Marsi-18, -20, and -22 are in preparation for recommendation based on ongoing research.