CHITWAN: Farmers in Chitwan say they have not received the government-fixed minimum support price for early spring paddy, locally known as Chaite paddy, leaving many producers disappointed after harvest.

Farmer groups and cooperatives estimate that paddy cultivated on around 1,000 hectares has been sold without the benefit of the support price. Farmers in Khairahani Municipality are among those most affected.

Agricultural organizations say the delay has hit growers of spring paddy varieties such as local Chaite-5, Hardinath-1, PR, and Taichin, increasing uncertainty over returns from the crop.

The Agriculture Development Office, Chitwan, attributed the problem to delays in the government’s decision on the minimum support price. This year, spring paddy was cultivated on approximately 9,000 hectares across the district.