Rain threatens paddy crop, farmers urged not to harvest until weather clears

Continuous rainfall has raised the risk of floods and landslides, prompting the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology to urge farmers not to harvest paddy until the weather improves. Department meteorologist Rojan Lamichhane said harvesting paddy in a hurry during adverse weather could damage both crops and cause loss of life and property. According to him, the weather has gradually begun to improve from the eastern part of the country.

According to the department's forecast for today, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at a few places in Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpashchim. The department has said very heavy rainfall is possible at one or two places in Lumbini and Sudurpashchim tomorrow. There is a 100 percent chance of rain today in Birendranagar, Nepalgunj and Pokhara.

The department has asked residents of areas where cracks have appeared in the ground or small landslides have occurred to move to safe locations immediately and to alert their neighbours as well. Those living along riverbanks have also been asked to remain highly alert.

Meanwhile, Jhalak Nath Kandel, chief of the Agriculture Development Office, Chitwan, said paddy in the flowering and pollination stage in Chitwan faces the risk of empty grains and spotting due to the rain. The office has run a crop treatment camp at Bharatpur-14, Pakaudi, and is preparing to hold another at Ratnanagar. According to crop protection officer Gita KC, the camps were started after an increasing number of farmers began visiting the office with paddy problems.