Surkhet, Nov. 2 -- Purna Chandra Neupane of Jumla, in mid-western Nepal, has cultivated Marsi paddy on around five ropani (0.25 hectares) of land. His family of five is currently busy harvesting the crop. Having produced nine quintals of paddy last year, he expects a similar harvest this year.

Last year, he earned Rs150,000 by sending seven quintals of the paddy to Nepalgunj and Surkhet. The reddish-brown, aromatic rice is a prized crop grown in the Himalayan region.

"I should have got the harvesting done two weeks ago," he said. "I finally found time after the Dashain festival, but the rain delayed the work. I think I'll be able to finish the work in another two or three days."

He does not have to look for buyers. Traders from Nepalgu...