Production of winter crops likely to go up

KATHMANDU, Feb.19: Production of winter crops is likely to go up this year following winter rainfall although it occurred a bit late.



According to the Ministry of Agricultural Development, this winter rainfall has brought cheers among the farmers as production of wheat, barley and lentil is likely to increase this year.[brak]



Talking to RSS, Ministry Joint Secretary and Spokesperson Dr Prabhakar Pathak said winter rain is natural irrigation for winter crops. It is better for winter crops if the country received winter rain before February 12.



This year, wheat production is likely to remain 2.4 metric tonnes per hectare, he said. This season rain is beneficial for maize cultivation as well. The season of maize cultivation is near in the hilly region. Maize production could increase by 10 to 15 per cent this year, agronomist Bhanu Bhakta Pokhrel said.



Every part in the country witnessed winter rainfall this season as wind emerged from Mediterranean Sea moved towards east in high speed. According to Weather Forecast Division, the Kathmandu Valley received about nine milliliter rainfall, Dadeldhura and Dipayal received 20-20 milliliter each and Okhaldhunga received the least amount (one milliliter) rainfall this winter.



According to senior meteorologist Rajendra Shrestha, this time winter rainfall was due to impact of westerly winds and this would do well for winter crops.

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