SATV 29 June, Kathmandu: A rice planting ceremony has been organised at the President's House, Shital Niwas, to commemorate the National Paddy Day on Sunday.     

President Ramchandra Paudel and First Lady Sabita Paudel also participated in the paddy transplantation ceremony.     

Inaugurating the rice planting on the occasion, the Head of State spoke on the need to modernise and commercialise the country's agriculture.     

He said that he participated symbolically in the plantation to promote a culture of respect for all kinds of labour, including agriculture, and to encourage rice production.     

The President emphasised that farmers, who are engaged in agriculture and are striving to introduce it as a pillar of employment, should be honoured as food producers.