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With heavy rainfall forecast during mid-season rice harvest, the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) has urged farmers to complete harvesting by Tuesday or wait until after the rain subsides before cutting the crop.
NARC recommends harvesting rice only when it can be dried in one or two sunny days or when it can be tied and stored safely.
Although the El Niño climatic phenomenon predicts less rainfall this year, rice production is expected to increase slightly compared to last year.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has advised vigilance for widespread rainfall in Nepal over four days starting Wednesday due to an active system developing in the Bay of Bengal.
Meteorologists indicate some districts may face heavy to very heavy rainfall and heavy snowfall in mountainous regions.
According to the department, light rain will begin in eastern Nepal on Wednesday, with heavy rain forecast from Thursday through Saturday. The Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces may see partial rainfall.
When Should Farmers Harvest Rice?
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NARC has urged farmers not to harvest rice from Thursday onward.
If not harvested by Tuesday (tomorrow), farmers are requested to wait until after the rain stops to start harvesting.
“If harvesting can be completed tomorrow (Tuesday), it should be done, otherwise, we recommend cutting only after the rain has stopped,” said NARC Executive Director Srimat Shrestha.
“Rice harvested on Tuesday can dry in one or two sunny days. Most of the rice is now ready for harvest, but it is important to evaluate the crop condition before cutting.”
If harvesting on Tuesday is challenging, the use of machinery like combine harvesters or reapers is advised instead of manual cutting.
“Proper drying of harvested rice is essential before storage to prevent pest damage,” added Shrestha.
Former Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Hari Dahal, also advised against harvesting at this time and recommended tying the rice bundles if harvested right before rains.
“Farmers should make decisions based on local conditions and weather forecasts. If the rice is fully ripe and cannot be stored safely, then it is better not to harvest,” he said.
“Harvested rice should be dried quickly to avoid damage from pests. Keeping rice tied in a ventilated place can keep it safe for a few days. Rice loss must be avoided.”
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Accounting for this year’s El Niño phenomenon and its impact, the Ministry of Agriculture, through NARC, had prepared well before rice transplantation this season.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicted a stronger El Niño from August to October this year, expecting higher temperatures and changing rainfall patterns.
“Considering potential impacts of El Niño, we planted rice on time and selected varieties that require less water. However, its effects haven’t been significantly felt yet,” said Executive Director Shrestha.
“Therefore, despite water shortages, rice production is unlikely to suffer losses.”
Last year, rice yield averaged 3.7 metric tons per hectare; this year it is expected between 3.8 to 3.9 metric tons.
“The use of improved rice varieties this year is also contributing to the anticipated increase in production,” he added.
In 2081 BS (2024/25 AD), Nepal’s rice productivity per hectare was also 3.8 metric tons.
