KATHMANDU: President Ramchandra Paudel has underscored the critical need for agricultural modernization to address the increasing issue of uncultivated land in the country.

While extending the best wishes on the occasion of the 23rd National Paddy Day today, the Head of the State expressed his hopes for the well-being of farmers and emphasized that modernizing agriculture is vital for retaining the workforce that often migrates abroad.

He advocated for transforming agriculture into a more attractive profession and reducing the dependency on imported rice. The President called for a shift in perspective, urging that agriculture should not only be seen as a means of survival but also as a commercial opportunity.

He highlighted the importance of achieving self-sufficiency in paddy production and encouraged relevant authorities to focus on this goal.

The celebration of National Paddy Day, which has been observed since 2061 BS, aims to promote paddy production through modernization and commercialization, with this year’s theme centered on ‘Climate Friendly Technology, Self-Reliance in Paddy, and Prosperity.’

President Paudel noted the deep connection between the Nepalese lifestyle and agriculture, advocating for increased awareness among farmers and stakeholders to enhance paddy production and productivity. He also referenced the constitutional guarantee of the right to food for all citizens, emphasizing the need for agricultural resources and fair pricing to protect against food scarcity.