Paddy Fields Come Alive as Nepal Marks National Rice Day

Today, on the 15th of Asar, Nepal is celebrating the 22nd National Rice Day and Paddy Planting Festival with the theme “Intensification in Rice Crops for Food Security and Self-Reliance.”

As an agricultural country, many people in Nepal depend on farming for their livelihood. During this season, farmers are busy planting rice to secure food for the whole year.

Traditionally, this day is celebrated by singing folk songs and planting rice while playing in the muddy fields. There is a strong cultural belief in Nepal that everyone should step into the mud at least once during Asar.

However, this year, due to insufficient rainfall in many areas by mid-Asar, paddy planting has not been completed as expected. Farmers have also complained about a lack of chemical fertilizers, although the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development claims there is enough stock available.