Kathmandu - It's Asar 15 today. 

And Nepal is celebrating the 22nd National Paddy Day (Ropain Diwas) with widespread paddy planting activities.

This annual tradition, which began in 2062 BS after a cabinet decision in 2061 BS, highlights the importance of agriculture in the country.

Even President Ramchandra Paudel participated in symbolic paddy planting at Shital Niwas, called for modernization agriculture. President Paudel urged a focus on market-orientated products.   Adding that his participation was to promote and boost the paddy production and also pay respect towards farmers.   

Likewise, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ramnath Adhikari, also joined in the paddy planting, which is orgainzed by the Department of Agriculture, the Crop Development and Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation Centre, the National Farmers Commission, and the National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC), and held at the National Crop Science Research Centre in Khumaltar.

 
Meanwhile, Nepalis from all walks of life also relish dahi chiura (curd and beaten rice) on Ashar 15.