Earthquake To Lower Food Production By 3 Per Cent In Nepal

By Yuba Nath Lamsal KATHMANDU, June 3 (Bernama) -- Food crop production is likely to decline by at least three per cent in Nepal this year due to the April 25 earthquake and powerful aftershocks. Nepal's overall cereal crop output is expected to drop by at least three per cent this year from the earlier projection, says a report of its agriculture ministry. Padi production will suffer the most, but wheat production is expected to grow by five per cent while barley production is likely to grow by seven cent. The recent earthquakes have seriously hit the winter crops in districts worst hit by the quakes, the report says, adding that winter crop output is likely to decline by eight per cent. Padi and maize output was largely affected last year due to the erratic monsoon and it would further decline this year following the earthquake, as large swaths of agricultural land in the earthquake-affected districts had developed cracks or were likely to witness landslides during the rainy season, said Udaya Chandra Thakur, spokesman for the agriculture ministry. "Padi is the main staple food and major crop of Nepal. Padi output is expected to drop at least five per cent this year as farmers in the earthquake- affected districts are not in a position to cultivate their land," Thakur said. The report says millet production is expected to grow by 1.5 per cent this year followed by buckwheat. However, the share of millet and buckwheat production in Nepal is very low compared to padi and maize production. Cash crops like oil seeds, potato, sugarcane, jute, lentils, tea, fruits and vegetables are likely to witness significant growth this year. Milk and meat production will, however, see a decline as the earthquake had killed a large number of livestock. According to the report, at least 58,000 cattle and 40,000 birds died in the earthquake. The agriculture ministry had earlier projected overall five per cent growth in agricultural production. Nepal is an agricultural country and agriculture contributes to almost half of its total GDP. An earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale hit Nepal on April 25, killing at least 8,600 people and damaging property worth billions of dollars. The earthquake seriously affected 14 out of Nepal's total of 75 districts. -- BERNAMA