KATHMANDU: Farmers in Dharapani, Siranchok rural municipality-8, Gorkha, are currently occupied with the millet harvest following the conclusion of the Dashain festival.
Having planted the crop in late June, local farmers are now focused on harvesting, drying, and storing their produce. Once the millet is gathered, farmers plan to prepare their fields for sowing mustard seeds.
Millet remains a primary food crop for farmers in the hilly regions of Nepal. It is considered vital for these areas as it can be grown on sloping terrain and requires minimal irrigation.
Key districts for millet cultivation include Gorkha, Lamjung, Tanahun, Kaski, Parbat, Syangja, Palpa, and Jumla.
The crop is used to make traditional food items such as dhindo, roti, and satu. Due to its fiber and mineral content, demand for millet-based products has also been rising in urban centers.
According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment, approximately 214,477 hectares of land were used for millet cultivation in the fiscal year 2024/25, resulting in a total production of 284,352 metric tons.
However, government statistics indicate a downward trend in both the area under cultivation and overall production in recent years.
Challenges such as a shortage of agricultural labor in rural areas, declining interest among the youth in farming, and difficulties in market management have impacted the sector.
While demand within the country is increasing, Nepal still faces the need to import millet. Experts suggest that protecting and promoting traditional farming can help enhance farmers’ incomes and preserve indigenous crops.
