Photos by: Basanta Pratap Singh

Farmers in Bajhang district heaved a sigh of relief with early rainfall after two years of drought in the region.

Paddy plantation in the district has gained pace after rains started showering from first week on Nepali month Jestha (mid-May).

Scenes of locals ploughing the field as a part of preparation for paddy plantation can be seen. Also farmers are hopeful of a fine crop during the harvest season.

Over 7,000 hectors of land is deemed fertile for paddy farming in Bajhang district of which 60 percent of the total arable land is irrigated, as per the data of the Bajhang District Agriculture Development Office.

The remaining 40-50 percent of the land still depend on the monsoon rains for plantation.