Nepal imports rice despite surplus paddy production

KATHMANDU,July 16 :

Nepal has been importing significant quantity of rice despite the country reporting surplus paddy production.

Statistician at the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MoAD) Hem Raj Regmi said peoples´ habit of choosing fine rice over medium and coarse rice was the major reason behind rise in rice imports. “As a result, significant quantity of rice produced in the country is used to make local alcohol,” he added.

Nepal is projected to record 700,000 tons surplus in paddy production this year. However, import figures complied by the Trade and Export Promotion Center shows the country imports rice worth Rs 1 billion every month.

Paddy production in Nepal increased by 12 percent to 5.04 million tons this year.

MoAD on Wednesday made public statistics of food grains needed for the country. According to the ministry, 30 districts are dependent on other districts for food grains. Cereal production has been estimated at 9.56 million tons for this year.

“There is a huge pressure on rice as people no longer eat wheat. Similarly, maize production is sufficient only for human consumption. As a result, animal feed producers have been importing maize from different countries,” added Regmi.

The statistics prepared by the MoAD shows the country will witness surplus of 789,890 tons of refined cereals. Despite this, the country imported cereals worth around Rs 25.24 billion in the first eleven months of 201/14.

Source: Republica