National Paddy Day Celebrated, But Farmers Struggle with Fertilizer Shortage

Kathmandu, June 29

Nepal celebrates National Paddy Day today, observed every year on Asar 15. This special day marks the start of rice planting season during the monsoon and is traditionally celebrated by eating dahi chiura (yogurt and beaten rice). The dish symbolizes refreshment and strength, especially for farmers working long hours in the muddy fields.

Though the festival is rooted in farming, people from all walks of life take part by sharing dahi chiura with loved ones. National Paddy Day was officially recognized in 2004, and since then, it’s been a reflection of Nepal’s strong agricultural identity, where much of the population relies on farming for their livelihood.

During Asar, farmers are busy preparing rice fields and planting seedlings. The day is celebrated with traditional songs, dancing, and splashing in the mud. Culturally, it’s believed that everyone should step into a rice field at least once this month.

However, this year’s celebration is clouded by major challenges. Many farmers are struggling to transplant rice on time because of poor rainfall in several parts of the country. On top of that, the long-standing issue of fertilizer shortages is still not resolved.

Farmers across Nepal have raised concerns that they haven’t received the fertilizers they need, especially at this critical stage of planting. Despite these concerns, the Ministry of Agriculture insists there are enough supplies. According to officials, as of Asar 12 (June 26), the government had over 60,000 metric tons of fertilizers like urea, DAP, and potash in stock.

For this fiscal year, the government allocated nearly Rs 28 billion to purchase 550,000 metric tons of fertilizers. So far, over 360,000 metric tons have been delivered, with more on the way. This includes:

  • 34,000 metric tons of urea that has entered Nepal from Kolkata (yet to be distributed),

  • 30,000 metric tons of urea still in Kolkata,

  • 22,000 metric tons of urea en route to Nepal,

  • and 30,000 metric tons of DAP expected to arrive by Asar 25 (July 9).

Still, many farmers say they haven’t received any fertilizer when they need it most, highlighting a gap between government reports and the situation on the ground. Despite repeated promises, the fertilizer crisis continues to affect timely rice planting, leaving farmers frustrated and uncertain during one of the most important times of the agricultural year.

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