Farmers in northern Rasuwa are optimistic about an increase in potato production this year following rainfall in the month of Chaitra. They believe that the rain and snowfall on Monday provided essential moisture for the potato crop, which is expected to boost yields. Snowfall at higher altitudes helps maintain natural soil moisture, which is particularly beneficial for potato cultivation. Local farmer Mar Lama noted significant snowfall in the Gatlang region of northern Rasuwa. Locals see this as a positive sign, as snowfall had been limited to higher elevations for the past four years but reached the vicinity of their village this time.
The potato crop is currently at the weeding and tuber-forming stage, and the rain at this critical time has provided the plants with vital moisture. In the Gatlang region, it is customary to plant cabbage after harvesting potatoes, meaning the potatoes grown here reach the market starting in Asar, creating additional income opportunities for farmers. Since the Agriculture Development Office of Rasuwa declared Gatlang a potato pocket area in 2050 (1993/94 AD), potatoes have become the primary cash crop for over 500 households. Farmers use the proceeds from potato sales to purchase rice and estimate that more than 300 truckloads of potatoes will be produced this year.
