With the onset of monosson, farmers have begun paddy plantation across the country.

According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, monsoon clouds entered Nepal’s skies from the east on June 12, two days past the normal date.

Nepali farmers gathered the second largest paddy harvest in history this fiscal year, despite a series of misfortunes ranging from a delayed monsoon and fertiliser shortages to a supply of fake seeds and an armyworm invasion.

With the Covid-19 pandemic forcing the country to go under lockdown, farmers haven’t got enough fertilisers this year.

The chemical chemical fertiliser—a vital farm input to increase productivity—is in short supply. As Nepal is completely dependent on imports for chemical fertilisers, any shortage could lead to food insecurity, affect the incomes of farmers, and dampen economic growth prospects for the coming fiscal year.

Post photographer Anish Regmi captured glimpses of paddy plantation in Khokana, Lalitpur on Tuesday.