KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has stated that paddy plantation has been completed on 78.84 percent of the total area targeted for cultivation across the country as of Sunday.

By province, plantation progress stands at 80.39 percent in Koshi, 51.82 percent in Madhesh, 87.19 percent in Bagmati, and 84.53 percent in Gandaki.

Similarly, Lumbini Province has completed 92.04 percent of its paddy plantation, while Karnali stands at 91.38 percent, and Sudurpaschim leads with 98.94 percent coverage.

As of July end last year, the national plantation rate was 92.6 percent.

The Ministry noted that delayed or insufficient rainfall—especially in regions like Madhesh Province—has contributed to slower progress this year compared to the same period last year.