Nepal is likely to import 930,000 tonnes of cereal grains, mainly rice, in 2017-18, which is similar to the previous year‘s level and 12 percent above the five-year average, according to the FAO. Imports of wheat and maize are anticipated to remain close to the 2016-17 level of 150,000 and 200,000 tonnes, respectively. Rice imports are projected to increase by 5 percent in 2018 to 580,000 tonnes, the FAO said. Nepal‘s paddy output is expected to top 5.15 million tonnes in this fiscal year, down 1.49 percent from 2016-17, mostly on account of the August floods in the southern Tarai plains, the ministry said. Despite the drop, the harvest will still be second biggest in the country‘s history. The marginal drop in paddy production will not affect the country‘s economic growth as the loss has been offset by abundant maize production, according to the ministry. Annual Harvest Year Output (in tonnes) 2017-18 1.93 million 2016-17 1.84 million 2015-16 1.73 million 2014-15 1.97 million 2013-14 1.88 million 2012-13 1.88 million 2011-12 1.84 million 2010-11 1.74 million 2009-10 1.55 million 2008-09 1.34 million (Source: Agricultural Ministry)
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