Kathmandu, Jan 4: The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has projected a rice production of 5.96 million metric tonnes for the current fiscal year, based on preliminary estimates.

According to Ministry spokesperson Dr. Matina Joshi Baidya, this year’s rice yield is expected to increase by 4.04 percent compared to the previous fiscal year.

"Rice cultivated during spring and monsoon seasons covered a total of 1.42 million hectares this fiscal year, marking a 1.28 percent decline in the area under rice cultivation compared to last year," she stated.

Despite the reduced cultivation area, productivity has reached a record high of 4.19 metric tonnes per hectare, the highest ever recorded.

Regionally, rice yields have increased in Koshi, Madhes, and Sudurpaschim provinces but have declined in Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Karnali provinces.

This projection highlights the potential for improved agricultural practices and resource optimization, even with a slight reduction in cultivation area.