The 23rd National Paddy Day and Rice Transplantation Festival was celebrated at Khumaltar, Lalitpur, on Monday with a blend of tradition and modern agricultural technology.

This year’s event showcased drone-assisted fertiliser application and machine transplanting under the theme, “Climate-friendly technology for rice self-sufficiency and prosperity.”

Farmers, researchers, policymakers and government officials gathered to promote sustainable rice production and agricultural innovation. Speakers highlighted the need for mechanisation, improved irrigation, climate-resilient rice varieties and greater investment in research to reduce imports and boost domestic production.