Every Paddy Sapling Carries Farmers’ Dreams and Nation’s Future: Gagan Thapa

Dragon Media Correspondent
Kathmandu

Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has said that every paddy sapling planted in the field is connected with farmers’ dreams, the family kitchen, the future and the prosperity of the nation.

Issuing a message of best wishes on the occasion of National Rice Day and Asar 15, Thapa expressed respect and gratitude to farmers, describing them as food providers who ensure the country’s food security through their hard work in the fields.

He said Asar 15 is not only a day of paddy plantation, but also a celebration of the labor, struggle, hope and self-reliance of Nepali farmers.

“Asar 15 is not merely a day of planting paddy. It is also a festival of the labor, struggle, hope and self-reliance of Nepali farmers. Since rice is the country’s main food crop, increasing its productivity is not only an agricultural task, but also a guarantee of citizens’ right to life and an implementation of the spirit of the constitution,” Thapa said in his message.

Thapa stressed that rice production should be viewed in connection with food security, farmers’ living standards and the national economy. He said ensuring timely access to seeds, fertilizer, irrigation, technology, markets and fair prices for farmers should be a priority responsibility of the state.

According to him, overall national prosperity cannot be achieved unless agriculture is developed as a self-reliant, respected and modern occupation. Since paddy farming remains a major foundation of Nepal’s economy, culture and daily life, he said it must be placed at the center of national priority.

Thapa also noted that climate change, uncertain rainfall, rising production costs, fertilizer and irrigation problems, and the lack of fair prices for farmers have made the agriculture sector increasingly challenging. He called for clear policies, effective implementation and farmer-friendly programs to address these issues in a sustainable manner.

Expressing confidence that National Rice Day would inspire greater respect for soil, labor and production, Thapa extended best wishes to all farmers, agricultural workers and Nepali citizens.

Nepal observes Asar 15 every year as National Rice Day. The day is celebrated across the country with paddy plantation, traditional Asare songs, mud-field festivities and the custom of eating curd and beaten rice, while honoring the importance of farmers’ labor and agricultural production.