Increase in Minimum Price of Paddy Benefits Farmers

The government has recently raised the minimum price at which farmers can sell their paddy, providing them with increased support.

During the cabinet meeting held on Ashad 26, upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Industry, the new minimum prices for rice were established. The price for coarse rice was set at Rs. 3,098 per quintal, while the minimum support price for medium rice was set at Rs. 3,362 per quintal.

Under the new pricing scheme, the cost of coarse paddy has risen by Rs. 330 per quintal, and medium paddy has seen an increase of Rs. 234 per quintal.

In the previous year, the government had set the price of coarse paddy at Rs. 2,967 per quintal, and medium paddy at Rs. 3,128 per quintal.

During the financial year 2078/79, the support price for coarse paddy was Rs. 2,752 per quintal, and for medium paddy, it was Rs. 2,902 per quintal. However, last year, the government had delayed the announcement of the support price until November 16.

Under the leadership of Ghanshyam Bhusal, the then leader of the CPN and Minister of Agriculture, the practice of setting minimum support prices for crops began even before the planting season, ensuring timely support for farmers.

The increased minimum price for rice is expected to be advantageous for farmers as they engage in rice cultivation.