KATHMANDU: Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment, Geeta Chaudhary, has said that use of modern technology, research, and collaboration among all stakeholders is essential for facing the challenge of climate change and achieving self-reliance in rice production.

Issuing a message of best wishes on the occasion of the 23rd National Paddy Day and Paddy Plantation Festival, 2083, Minister Chaudhary mentioned that this year’s slogan ‘Climate-Friendly Technology, Self-Reliance in Rice, and Prosperity’ addresses the current needs and challenges of the agricultural sector.

She said that rice is not only the staple food crop for Nepalis but also an important crop connected with religion, culture, and traditions. The Agriculture Minister noted that conserving, improving, and using local and wild rice varieties would make a significant contribution to biodiversity, climate resilience, and long-term food security.

Minister Chaudhary suggested expanding the area of cultivation of the monsoon and spring paddy, developing improved varieties of rice, technology transfer, expansion of irrigation facilities, and easy access to means of production and ensuring a decent price for rice to reduce the import of paddy and rice.

She also mentioned that special emphasis should be given to identifying, collecting, conserving local and wild rice varieties, and developing climate-friendly varieties.