SATV, Kathmandu, Jun. 22 - Wheat production in Madhesh Province has declined this year compared to previous years.  The province is regarded as one of the country's most fertile regions and a major wheat-producing area. 

According to the Directorate of Agriculture Development, Madhesh Province, a total of 543,160 metric tons of wheat was produced from 300,732 hectares of area. The average production stood at 1.8 metric tons per hectare. 

The highest production was recorded in Dhanusha district, where 98,490 metric tons of wheat was harvested from 33,500 hectares of land, with an average yield of 2.94 metric tons per hectare, said Directorate Crops Development Officer Kiran Bishwakarma. 

In Rautahat, the crop was cultivated on 17,292 hectares, producing 52, 741 metric tons, with a yield of 3.05 metric tons per hectare,while in Sarlahi, the production reached 69,596 metric tons from 27,400 hectares, with a yield rate of 2.54 metric tons per hectare. It was cultivated on 27,000 hectares, producing 72,800 metric tons in Mahottari, and the yield was 2.6 metric tons per hectare.

Likewise, in Saptari,  82,320 metric tons of wheat was produced from 29, 400 hectares, with a yield of  2.8 metric tons per hectare, while in Bara, wheat was cultivated on 29, 000 hectares, producing 71,920 metric tons, with a yield rate of 2.48 tons per hectare. 

Adverse weather conditions, pest  attacks, and the lack of adequate irrigation facilities and quality seeds were among the major factors contributing to the decline in production in the region this year, said Directorate Director Jitendra Yadav. (RSS)