Area and production of major agricultural crops rise in Sudurpaschim

Sudurpaschim: The agricultural sector in Sudurpaschim Province has expanded in the fiscal year 2081/82, with the total area under major crops—food grains, vegetables, fruits and spices—rising by 2.16 percent. This marks a reversal from the previous fiscal year, when the sector saw a 7.71 percent decline.

The increase is attributed to the provincial government’s national agricultural modernization program, timely fertilizer supply, expansion of irrigation facilities, the use of hybrid maize seeds, and growing interest in commercial agriculture among youths returning from foreign employment. While the area under food and other crops increased by 1.30 percent this year, it had dropped by 8.91 percent in the previous fiscal year.

Crop-wise, the area under paddy and wheat declined by 2.48 percent and 4.23 percent respectively. However, the cultivated area for maize, millet, barley, sorghum, potato, sugarcane, soybean, pulses and oilseeds increased, ranging from 0.80 percent to as high as 74.13 percent. The area under vegetables and horticulture grew by 9.58 percent, compared to a 4.96 percent decrease last year. Similarly, fruit and spice cultivation increased by 8.52 percent, according to the Nepal Rastra Bank’s annual study report.

In terms of output, overall production of major agricultural crops increased by 2.76 percent in 2081/82, although this was lower than the 3.64 percent growth recorded the previous year. Expanded irrigation, agricultural mechanization, improved seeds, favorable weather and adequate rainfall contributed to the rise.

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Food and other crop production also rose by 2.76 percent. Among these, oilseed production surged by 18.89 percent and potato production by 16.11 percent. The sharpest decline was in buckwheat (phapar), which dropped by 77.88 percent. District-wise, Kailali, Kanchanpur and Darchula recorded increases in food and crop production, with Kailali leading, while Achham saw a decline of 15.65 percent.

Vegetable production rose by 3.20 percent this fiscal year, compared to a 0.98 percent drop last year. Achham recorded the highest increase at 53.50 percent, while Bajura saw a decline of 29.85 percent.

Fruit and spice production increased by 2.21 percent, slightly above last year’s growth of 1.97 percent. Darchula led with a remarkable 157.54 percent rise, while Doti experienced the largest decline at 29.74 percent.

Overall, the agricultural sector in the Far West Province appears to be moving toward recovery.