Chaitë Paddy Production Decreases by 35% in Gorkha Due to Blast Disease
Summary
Chaitë paddy production in Gorkha has fallen by 35% this year after blast disease damaged crops across the district. Officials say the disease spread after farmers reused seeds from last year’s harvest and caused losses of about Rs 9.8 million.
Key Points
- Chaitë paddy production in Gorkha dropped from about 3,000 metric tons last year to around 1,500 metric tons this year.
- Agricultural officers said blast disease spread because farmers used reused, water-soaked seeds and quality seeds were not used.
- The disease damaged about 5,000 ropanis and caused an estimated loss of Rs 9.8 million in the district.
- The district office ran a Chaitë paddy promotion program in 67 hectares and provided irrigation and farming equipment to farmers.
