Banking News — The Department of Agriculture has launched a source seed production programme in 58 local units across 18 districts to improve farmers’ access to quality seeds.

The programme is being implemented under the Federal Conditional Fiscal Transfer Programme to promote the production of improved and certified seeds.

According to Prakash Kumar Sanjel, Director General of the Department of Agriculture, climate-resilient rice varieties will be developed to help reduce the adverse impacts of climate change on paddy cultivation.

He said the department is promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, including direct seeding technology, alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation, and rainwater harvesting to improve the sustainability and productivity of rice farming.

Under the programme, the department will promote the Hardinath-1, Hardinath-3, and Barnashankar hybrid rice varieties. It also plans to expand mechanization and strengthen value chain development for both monsoon and spring paddy cultivation through 21 agricultural zones and five super zones.

Farmers engaged in spring paddy cultivation will receive government subsidies as part of the programme.

In addition, the department has launched a rice-based development project this year in eight local units across the districts of Mahottari, Sarlahi, Nuwakot, and Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West).