Bhotekoshi Floods Cause Over Rs. 1 Billion in Agricultural Losses
Bhotekoshi floods have caused extensive damage to rice, vegetable and livestock production with agricultural losses exceeding Rs. 1 billion across affected districts.
The devastating Bhotekoshi floods have caused more than Rs. 1 billion in damage to Nepal’s agricultural sector, with rice, vegetables and livestock among the hardest-hit areas.
A Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RNDN) report prepared by the National Planning Commission and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority shows extensive agricultural losses across Rasuwa and surrounding areas.
Rice and vegetable production hit
The floods affected 1,669 hectares of rice cultivation, resulting in damage to an estimated 5,843 tons of paddy production.
Among the affected areas, Bidur in Nuwakot recorded the largest impact, with 700 hectares of paddy fields affected and approximately 2,450 tons of production damaged. In Likhu, 230 hectares were affected, resulting in a loss of 805 tons, while Belkotgadhi saw 200 hectares affected and 700 tons of production damaged.
Rice cultivation was also affected in several parts of Dhading and Rasuwa, including Benighat Rorang, Gajuri, Siddhalek, Galchhi, Gosainkunda and Uttargaya.
Vegetable production has also suffered significant damage. Around 137 hectares of vegetable cultivation were affected, with approximately 1,843 tons of production damaged.
Bidur was again among the worst-hit areas, with 98 hectares of vegetable farmland affected and an estimated 1,323 tons of vegetable production lost.
Livestock losses exceed Rs. 1.11 billion
The livestock sector has suffered particularly heavy financial losses. The assessment shows that 252,445 livestock were affected, with the total estimated damage reaching Rs. 1.1139 billion.
Chickens accounted for the largest number of affected animals, with around 214,827 chickens, representing 85.1% of affected livestock by number. However, because of their lower individual value, chickens accounted for only 4.8% of the total livestock damage by value.
The financial losses were much higher for larger livestock. Damage to 4,572 buffaloes was estimated at Rs. 457.2 million, accounting for 41% of total livestock losses.
Goats and sheep accounted for approximately Rs. 391.3 million, or 35.1%, while cattle losses were estimated at Rs. 179.2 million, or 16.1%.
Other livestock categories recorded additional losses, including Rs. 1.4 million for other livestock, Rs. 1.96 million for pigs and wild boars, Rs. 2.5 million for sheep, Rs. 5.37 million for chickens and around Rs. 100,000 for other birds.
Overall, buffaloes, goats, sheep and cattle accounted for 92.3% of the total livestock losses by value, highlighting the broader impact of the floods on farmers’ incomes and the rural economy.