Nepal’s paddy output set to fall for first time in four years

Drought, unseasonal rains and shrinking farmland are projected to cut production by 4.2 percent this fiscal. This could push up imports and food prices.

Nepal’s paddy output is projected to decline in the current fiscal year for the first time in four years, according to a government assessment that cites prolonged drought in Madhesh province, unseasonal rainfall in October and a rising rural-to-urban migration trend.