The production and productivity of wheat, the main food crop of the Far West Province, has been declining in recent years. Although the production in the Terai region is relatively good, farmers are becoming discouraged towards wheat cultivation, while productivity in the hilly districts is very low.

According to the data of the last fiscal year 2081/082, wheat was cultivated in an area of ​​132,745 hectares across the province, and the total production was 340,114 metric tons. The average productivity of the province is only 2.56 tons per hectare, which is considered relatively low.

The highest productivity has been seen in Kailali. 130,114 metric tons have been produced in an area of ​​38,840 hectares. The productivity per hectare here has reached 3.35 tons. In Kanchanpur, 31,210 hectares were cultivated and 103,929 metric tons were produced, and the productivity was 3.33 tons per hectare.

But the situation is very poor in the hilly districts. Among the hilly districts, Dadeldhura has comparatively higher productivity. Here, 15,480 metric tons were produced in an area of ​​7,600 hectares, and the productivity was 2.04 tons per hectare.

Then in Darchula, 11,415 metric tons were produced in 5,955 hectares, and the productivity was 1.92 tons per hectare. In Bajhang, 17,700 metric tons were produced in 9,365 hectares, and the productivity was 1.89 tons per hectare. In Achham, 17,231 metric tons were produced in an area of ​​10,700 hectares, and the productivity was 1.1.61 tons per hectare.

In Baitadi, 19,824 metric tons were produced in 12,390 hectares, resulting in a productivity of 1.1.60 tons per hectare. In Bajura, 9,920 metric tons were produced in 6,400 hectares, resulting in a productivity of 1.55 tons per hectare.

The lowest productivity is seen in Doti district. Here, 14,502 metric tons were produced in 10,285 hectares, resulting in a productivity of only 1.1.41 tons per hectare, which is among the lowest in the province.

According to experts, dry land, lack of irrigation, insufficient fertilizer and traditional farming systems are the main reasons for low production in the hilly districts. In addition, farmers are further affected by damage from wild animals.

Although the production in the Terai region is good, farmers are increasingly frustrated. Kanchanpur farmer Binu Chaudhary says, 'Wheat farming costs a lot, but the production is not that much. Fertilizer, seeds and labor are all expensive. That is why we are forced to switch to other crops due to low profits from wheat.'

Another farmer, Phulmati Rana, also says, 'Fertilizer is not available on time, there is a problem with irrigation. Despite working hard, interest in wheat farming is decreasing due to lack of income.'

According to Suresh Chaudhary, a farmer from Kanchanpur, farmers using modern agricultural equipment have found some comfort. 'Using machines makes work faster and easier, and production also increases. But not all farmers have such facilities. The government should bring technology to small farmers,' he said.

Meanwhile, farmers have been attracted to sugarcane farming for the last decade after the sugar industry came into operation in the southern region of Kanchanpur. According to Harendra Singh Bista, President of the Nepal Farmers Federation Sudurpaschim, farmers are shifting from sugarcane farming to wheat as the market is assured. Two large sugar factories are operating in the southern region of Kanchanpur. As sugar factories are also expanding in Kailali and Bardiya, there is a possibility that wheat farming will further decrease in the coming days.

The provincial government has stated that it has given priority to modernization of agriculture, expansion of irrigation, promotion of improved seeds and mechanization. According to Minister for Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives Bir Bahadur Thapa, programs have been launched to expand irrigation infrastructure, distribute agricultural equipment on subsidies, provide improved seeds and provide training to farmers. He said that special programs have been put forward to increase the production of food crops including wheat and rice.

Meanwhile, the federal government has fixed the minimum support price of wheat for the current fiscal year at Rs 3,945 per quintal, which is Rs 77.62 more than last year.