May 13, 2010

Nepal's grain output declined by 4.33%

Overall grain production in Nepal has dropped to 7.76 million tonnes in the current fiscal year ending in mid-July as against last year, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives revealed today (May 13).

In the last fiscal year, overall grain output was recorded at 8.11 million tonnes. Paddy production declined by 11% to 4.02 million tonnes. Last year, paddy production was 4.52 million tonnes.

Similarly, output of corn, the second staple food item after paddy, has declined by 4% compared to the last fiscal year. This year, corn production has been recorded at 1.85 million tonnes compared to 1.93 million tonnes on-year.

Wheat, the third major crop, has increased by 16% this year compared to previous year. This year, wheat production has been estimated at 1.56 million tonnes compared to 1.34 million tonnes in 2009.

"The abundant rain and snow witnessed this year has helped to increase wheat production," said Hari Dahal, spokesperson at the Agriculture Ministry.

Food availability this year in line with the increasing population and production ratio is likely to see a shortfall of 316,465 tonnes. Last year, the estimated food deficit was 132,914 tonnes.

With the estimated deficit, over 1.6 million people will face food unavailability this year, the ministry said. "The fall in the grain production this year has been attributed to lack of modern irrigation facilities, increasing plotting of productive land for housing construction and traditional agricultural methods," Dahal said.