Nepal, June 23 -- Paddy transplantation has gained momentum across various parts of Banke after water from the Sikta Irrigation Project began flowing through canals, despite insufficient rainfall. With irrigation water readily available, farmers have started planting rice without waiting for monsoon rains.

Melina Chaudhary of Nawalpur, Ward No. 3 of Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality, began transplanting paddy on Monday using canal water supplied by the project. She has already planted rice on four katthas of land and plans to complete transplantation on the remaining nine katthas today.

With the assistance of 13 members of the Jaljala Women's Group, Chaudhary hired laborers at a rate of Rs 120 per person per hour. "After Sikta released w...