Trekking in Nepal is a popular activity that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Nepal is known for its beautiful mountain scenery, including Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. For individuals seeking novel experiences, paddy planting trek is a unique and exciting that is gaining popularity among trekkers in Nepal. It offers an opportunity to experience the traditional farming practices of Nepal while enjoying the beautiful scenery and natural landscapes.
A paddy planting trek is an important event for rice farmers. It is the time when farmers prepare their fields, gather their seedlings, and head to their paddy fields to begin planting. The process of paddy planting is typically done manually, with farmers bending over to plant each seedling by hand. This process can be physically demanding and time-consuming, as rice farmers plant thousands of seedlings in their fields.
During the paddy planting trip, farmers may feel a range of emotions. For some, it may be a time of excitement and anticipation as they begin a new crop cycle. For others, it may be a time of stress as they worry about the weather and other factors that could impact their crops. Despite the challenges, many farmers find a sense of fulfillment and pride in their work, as they are contributing to the production of one of the world's most important staple crops.
What is Paddy Planting?
Paddy planting, also known as rice planting, is the process of growing rice plants in a prepared field. Rice is a staple food for many people around the world, and it is primarily grown in areas that have adequate water supply, fertile soil, and a warm climate.
The process of paddy planting typically involves several steps, including land preparation, seed selection, seedling production, field transplantation, and maintenance of the crop until harvest. Farmers first prepare the field by plowing and leveling the land and then flooding it with water to create the ideal growing conditions for rice. They then select high-quality seeds and cultivate them into seedlings in a separate nursery before transplanting them to the main field.
During the growing season, farmers maintain the rice crop by regularly irrigating and fertilizing the plants, controlling weeds and pests, and ensuring adequate sunlight and temperature. When the rice is mature, it is harvested, typically by cutting the stalks and threshing the grain to separate it from the straw.
Paddy planting is a complex process that requires knowledge, skills, and experience to ensure a successful harvest. It is an essential activity for many farming communities and plays a crucial role in providing food security for millions of people worldwide.
Procedure of Paddy Planting in Nepal
Paddy is a major crop in Nepal, and the planting procedure can vary depending on the region and the specific variety of paddy being planted. However, here is a general procedure for paddy planting in Nepal:
Field Preparation
The field is prepared by plowing, leveling and adding organic matter like farmyard manure or compost. The field is then irrigated and allowed to dry for a few days before planting.
Seed Selection:
High-quality seeds are selected, usually from the previous year's crop. The selected seeds are then treated with a fungicide to protect them from diseases.
Seedling Preparation
In Nepal, most farmers prepare seedlings in a separate field or in a nursery bed. The selected seeds are sown in the nursery bed, and they are allowed to grow for about 20-25 days. During this period, the seedlings are watered regularly and are protected from pests and diseases.
Land Preparation for Transplanting
The main field is flooded with water before transplanting. The land is then plowed and leveled to create a uniform field. The seedlings are then carefully uprooted and separated from the nursery bed.
Transplanting
The seedlings are transplanted in the main field at a distance of 20-25cm apart in rows with 25-30 cm distance between rows. The seedlings are placed in the soil with their roots facing downward and are pressed firmly into the soil to ensure proper rooting.
Water Management
Paddy requires a lot of water to grow properly. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain an adequate water supply throughout the growing season. In Nepal, paddy fields are usually flooded with water to a depth of 2-3 inches during the first two weeks after transplanting. The water level is then gradually decreased as the plants grow taller.
Fertilizer Application
Paddy requires regular fertilization to ensure healthy growth. In Nepal, farmers generally apply chemical fertilizers like urea and DAP (diammonium phosphate) in two or three equal doses during the growing season.
Weed Control
Weeds can significantly reduce the yield of paddy crops. Therefore, it is necessary to control weeds through manual or chemical means. In Nepal, farmers usually control weeds manually by pulling them out by hand.
Harvesting
The paddy crop is harvested when the grains are fully mature and turn golden yellow. In Nepal, the crop is usually harvested by cutting the plants at the base with a sickle or a knife. The harvested crop is then threshed to separate the grains from the straw.
