Rice In Nepal

A. Introduction:

Nepal is an agrarian country in which the livelihood of 65.7 percent of the total population is based on agriculture. Agriculture contributes about 40 percent of the gross domestic products (GDP) of the nation, hence, is the back bone of the Nepalese economy. This newly established republic consists of a vast range of geographical diversity along with one of the richest biodiversity of the planet. Nepal's geography consists of low tropical plains and central plateaus that rise up to the world’s highest peaks. That gives rise to the different ecological and climatic zones starting from Kechanakal, Jhapa - 60 masl to the famous Mount Everest - 8,848 masl.

B. Rice in Nepal:

Nepal is a small country with only 14.7 million hectares total land area of which 3.1 million Ha is arable and cultivated; and 1.03 million Ha is arable but uncultivated. Among this, only 1.55 million hectares is under rice cultivation, from which 4.52 million metric ton rice grains were harvested with an average rice productivity 2.907 ton/Ha as of 2008/2009. For Nepalese people, rice is one of the most important principal crops and it is cultivated in 73 districts out of the total 75, leaving Mustang and Manang. Even in Mustang, nowadays, some experts are trying to cultivate rice is some glass houses in Marpha, the district headquarter. Rice is planted in irrigated, rainfed, and upland ecosystem. Among the rice cultivated area of Nepal, 70.13 percent is from Terai, 25.54 percent from mid-hill, and 4.33 percent from high-hill area.

Rice is the main cereal crop and the staple food for this agrarian country, accounting for almost 50% of the total food production prevailing since millennia. It's not just a grain for the poor Nepalese farmers; it provides straw for thatching and mat-making, fodder for livestock, bran for poultry and fishponds, and husk for fuel. Hence, it's also the main source of 'hand to mouth' for a major portion of the countrymen. It is also an integral part of the native Nepalese culture. Asar 15 of each year according to the local calendar is declared and celebrated as the ''National Rice Day'' in the country. Here, rice is not only related to the food source but it's been connected to the real life, livelihood and the native culture. Hence, it is the life, culture and the dignity of the Nepalese people.