Farmers' perception on rice accessions in Kramdi Village of Syangja, Nepal: cultivation practices, production and challenges

Nepal has varieties of rice landraces due to its diverse topography and agroecosystems. This study assessed the rice accessions and cultivation practices with challenges faced by local farmers in the mid-hill village named Karamdi, located in Phedikhola-3, Syangja, Gandaki Province, Nepal, based on a questionnaire survey and a focus group discussion. A total of 11 rice accessions, including eight landraces and three improved were found in the study area. The most popular landraces were Pahale, Khole-Jarpani, and Gola. Annual rice production totals about 22.2 tons with a yield of 1.862 t/ha. However, according to the survey 63.83% of households report insufficient rice supply, due to changes in food culture, soil erosion, flooding, manpower shortages, and human-<italic>Rhesus macaque</italic> conflict. Villagers purchase 47.75 quintals of rice annually at NRs. 343,800. This research provides insights into rice cultivation and the challenges faced by farmers in Nepal's mid-hills.