Plantation of Marsi rice, renowned as the highest-altitude rice grown in the world, has regained pace in Chhumchaur of Jumla after years of decline due to migration, crop disease, and adverse weather conditions.

The Agriculture Development Office in Jumla marked the beginning of the Marsi rice season by organising a ceremonial plantation event in the Chhumchaur area, located at an altitude of 2,850 metres above sea level. The plantation took place across three fields in Patarasi Rural Municipality–3.

Ram Bhakta Adhikari, chief of the office, stated that Marsi cultivation had significantly declined as most locals opted to collect Yarsagumba during the planting season. "In the past, most of the cultivable lands lay fallow, but efforts to re-engage farmers have gradually brought several fields back under cultivation.

Local farmers and officials alike have expressed concern over persistent challenges, such as hailstorms, rice diseases, and shrinking interest among youth, which have discouraged sustained farming of Marsi. However, they also believe that restoring Marsi’s identity could help fight poverty and preserve heritage.

“The demand and market price for Marsi rice are both high,” said Adhikari, expressing satisfaction that the initiatives to restore interest in the plantation have become effective. noting that farmers now need access to disease-resistant seeds and government-backed support for commercial-scale farming.

Patarasi-3 ward chair Govinda Budha stated that the rural municipality has already prepared a DPR (Detailed Project Report) to promote Marsi farming. She noted that farmers now need access to disease-resistant seeds and government-backed support for commercial-scale farming. Local women, including Lalita and Batulli Bohara, also emphasised the need to establish Chhumchaur as a protected Marsi rice zone. They recalled the past when the entire lowland would glow with golden rice and provide premium grains even for festive occasions in Kathmandu.

Despite the renewed optimism, residents stress that more consistent government intervention and infrastructure, such as flood control, quality irrigation, and processing centres, are vital to sustain this revival in the long term.