Program Launched in 58 Local Units to Provide Farmers with Quality Seeds

June 21, Kathmandu – The Department of Agriculture has initiated the ‘Source Seed Production Program’ across 58 local units in 18 districts to facilitate farmers’ easy access to quality seeds. This initiative is part of the federal government’s conditional financial transfer program aimed at enhancing the production of improved seeds. Under this program, hybrid rice varieties ‘Hardinath-1’ and ‘Hardinath-3’ are being promoted.

Additionally, through 21 zones and 5 super zones, the department plans to mechanize and develop the value chain for both rainy and Chaite rice cultivation. To encourage Chaite rice farming, the department also intends to provide special grants to farmers.

Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Prakash Kumar Sanjel, highlighted the focus on developing new and resilient rice varieties to mitigate the impacts of climate change. “We are working on developing resilient rice varieties to reduce the adverse effects of climate change,” said Director General Sanjel. “We are also emphasizing the expansion of localized technologies such as alternate wetting and drying of fields and rainwater harvesting.”

Furthermore, starting this year, the department has launched a rice-focused new project in four additional districts: Mahottari, Sarlahi, Nuwakot, and Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West), covering eight local units. This project aims to further strengthen rice production in these regions, as confirmed by the department.