Rice
Khopasi is located in the central region of Nepal and is approximately 26 km away from Kathmandu. During October through November, members in the community gather to harvest their rice. Rice is by far the most important crop of Nepal. It is the primary source of livelihood for more than two-thirds of farm households. Rice contributes approximately one-fourth of GDP and more than 75 percent of the working population is engaged in rice farming for at least six months of the year.
Though Nepal’s rice consumption per year is one of the highest in the world, they do not produce enough rice in the country. According to statistics, the productivity growth of rice in Nepal in the last 54 years was 1.5% and has not kept up with the population growth rate of 2.3%. Other factors such as the shift in diet from traditional nutrient-dense foods, out-migration from mountain farm regions, and urban expansion in prime farmlands take part in the imbalance of demand and production rate of rice. The lack of quality improved seed is also one of the major constraints to rice production. The use of obsolete rice varieties bred and disseminated during and before the 1990s decreases the quality of seeds and rice being produced. This leads to an increase in the use of chemical fertilizers to keep up with production. Demand for hybrid rice seeds is picking up and met through imports from India and China. However, it is contributing to a growing negative trade imbalance in Nepal.
Currently, half of Nepal’s farmers produce rice only for their own consumption. As rice cultivation is deeply embedded in the country’s culture, so too are the challenges they face to keep pace with Nepal's growth rate.
Though Nepal’s rice consumption per year is one of the highest in the world, they do not produce enough rice in the country. According to statistics, the productivity growth of rice in Nepal in the last 54 years was 1.5% and has not kept up with the population growth rate of 2.3%. Other factors such as the shift in diet from traditional nutrient-dense foods, out-migration from mountain farm regions, and urban expansion in prime farmlands take part in the imbalance of demand and production rate of rice. The lack of quality improved seed is also one of the major constraints to rice production. The use of obsolete rice varieties bred and disseminated during and before the 1990s decreases the quality of seeds and rice being produced. This leads to an increase in the use of chemical fertilizers to keep up with production. Demand for hybrid rice seeds is picking up and met through imports from India and China. However, it is contributing to a growing negative trade imbalance in Nepal.
Currently, half of Nepal’s farmers produce rice only for their own consumption. As rice cultivation is deeply embedded in the country’s culture, so too are the challenges they face to keep pace with Nepal's growth rate.
