Bungamati and Khokana keep paddy plantation tradition alive amid Urban Sprawl (Photos)

Kathmandu: With the rapid pace of urbanization, cultivable land in the Kathmandu Valley is shrinking at an alarming rate.

Expansive fields once filled with green paddies have now become a rare sight. Concrete structures are replacing fertile soil, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to spot large tracts of land where traditional paddy plantation still takes place.

Despite these challenges, the spirit of agriculture endures. In areas like Bungamati and Khokana in Lalitpur, local communities are actively preserving the tradition of paddy plantation.

Paddy plantation kicks off in Gokarneshwor (Photo Feature)

During this season, these villages come alive with the activity of rice planting. Farmers — young and old — can be seen knee-deep in the fields, working in unison. This year, timely and adequate rainfall has further supported their efforts, making the planting process smooth and efficient.

Asar 15, observed as National Paddy Day across Nepal, holds deep cultural and agricultural significance. For farmers, it is not just a date on the calendar — it is the most meaningful day of the year, symbolizing their connection to the land, the cycle of sustenance, and the hope of a good harvest.

(Glimpses of paddy plantation from Bungamati and Khokana)

(Photos: Safal Prakash Shrestha / Nepal Photo Library)