Pest attack hits paddy ready for harvest, rain forecast worries farmers

Farmers in eastern Nepal are worried after a pest attack hit paddy crops just as they were ready for harvest.

In most fields in Bokhim, Bhojpur Municipality-5, a pest locally called "lai" has damaged the base of the paddy stalks, farmers said. Local farmer Dhan Bahadur Thapa said the weakened stem base causes plants to topple, panicles to dry up, and straw to go to waste as well. He said the problem had not been seen in previous years and he fears reduced production this time.

In Sunsari, in places including Inaruwa Municipality-9, paddy has been hit by gandhi bug, leaf folder and blast disease. Farmer Surendra Yadav said the problems there include drying leaves, spots on leaves, and weakened plants. Farmers complained they have had to buy and spray pesticides at their own expense.

Meanwhile, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has said a system formed over the Bay of Bengal will bring rain to many parts of the country for about four days starting Wednesday. Meteorologists said some areas could see heavy to very heavy rainfall, with heavy snowfall possible in the Himalayan region.

The Nepal Agricultural Research Council has therefore urged farmers to finish harvesting paddy by Tuesday, or to harvest only after the rain stops. The council suggested harvesting only when the cut paddy can be dried for at least one day of sunshine or spread out to dry.