Hybrid variety of paddy planted with Chinese support

Chitwan, Aug 11: Hybrid varieties of paddy have been planted in the trial paddy fields of Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, in Chitwan district with the support of the government of China.

Thirty-six Hybrid varieties of paddy developed by Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science in Chongqing have been planted as a pilot in presence of Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song.

Similarly, one variety of rice developed in Nepal as well as other eight popular varieties of paddy were also planted.

At a programme organised here today, Mayor of Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Renu Dahal, shared that the rice varieties were planted as per the agreement made during China visit of the then Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.

She mentioned that this project would prove a milestone for Bharatpur metropolis and the country in coming days, adding hybrid varieties of rice would be expanded across the country which would help increase paddy production.

Similarly, Chinese Ambassador Song said China, which considered these varieties of rice as a 70-year achievement of the country, gifted the seeds of these varieties to Nepal.

He expressed the belief that these varieties of rice would help increase paddy production of Nepal in coming days.

Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Dr Sharada Thapaliya, mentioned that this project has become successful with the help of Chinese government, Bharatpur metropolitan city, different organisations and experts.

University Registrar Pushkar Bahadur Pal, Country Director of China Foundation for Rural Development in Nepal, Zou Zhiqiang, among others also expressed their views on the occasion.

Only one hybrid variety of seeds has been produced and planted in Nepal so far.