KATHMANDU, June 16: The Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment has urged concerned stakeholders to effectively implement the minimum support price for Spring Paddy (Chaite Dhan) fixed by the government for the current fiscal year.
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Issuing a statement on Monday, the Agriculture and Livestock Business Promotion Division under the ministry called on the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project, the Nepal Rice, Oil and Pulse Producers Association, and other relevant bodies to ensure effective implementation of the minimum support price.
For the fiscal year 2025/26 (2082/83 BS), the Cabinet, through its decision of April 6 (Chaitra 24), fixed the minimum support price of spring paddy with up to 18 percent moisture content at Rs 2,866.41 per quintal.
According to the press release issued by Joint Secretary Engineer Jagannath Tiwari, the ministry took the initiative after receiving complaints through various channels that Nepali paddy has been forced to compete with cheaper Indian paddy, that moisture content creates storage problems, and that farmers are not receiving fair prices for their produce.
The statement noted that the harvesting season for spring paddy coincides with the monsoon period, making it difficult for farmers to maintain minimum storage standards. Farmers also require immediate cash to prepare for the main monsoon paddy crop, forcing many to sell their harvest during the season at lower prices.
The ministry stressed that protecting and expanding spring paddy cultivation is essential for achieving national food self-sufficiency. It also reminded stakeholders that both the government and private sector share responsibility for ensuring farmers recover production costs and earn a minimum profit.
The ministry has placed special emphasis on coordinating with rice mill owners and other stakeholders to facilitate the purchase of paddy from farmers at the government determined support price.
