Monsoon Calls For Swift Preparatory Measures

The monsoon season is upon us as rain clouds entered the country from the eastern border three days prior to its usual arrival on June 13. During this season, the Nepali people feel both delight and an unpredictable level of fright. Indeed, the monsoon rains are the lifeblood of Nepal's agriculture, in which around 65 per cent of the population is engaged for both sustenance and livelihoods. The timely arrival of monsoons increases the likelihood of optimal crop production, including rice, maize, and millet, and protects millions of farmers' livelihoods while also strengthening the country's food security. The rains that fall between June and the second week of October replenish groundwater supplies, fill reservoirs, and maintain rivers that are vital for agriculture and hydropower generation.