Kathmandu, Aug 22: The country has recorded 92 percent paddy plantation till August 18.The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has informed that 1.48 million hectares of land has been cultivated with rice plantation across the country.

Joint Spokesperson at the ministry, Tapendra Bahadur Bohara, said Karnali Province and Sudurpaschim Province each witnessed 99 percent paddy plantation while Koshi Province 97 percent, Lumbini Province 95 percent, Gandaki Province 94 percent, Bagamti Province 93 and Madhes Province 82 percent.

In the same period last year, there was 95 percent paddy plantation, which declined to 92 percent due to delayed rainfall this year. It is worrying that Madhes Province, which has fertile land for cultivation, recorded least paddy plantation this year.