Factors affecting maize, rice and wheat yields in the Koshi River Basin, Nepal

Crop yield is mainly affected by climatic factors such as temperature and precipitation. Besides these factors, improved seeds, irrigation access, and fertilizers also affect yield. In the present study, we collected crop yield data for major crops such as maize, rice, and wheat from the Koshi River Basin, Nepal. We investigated the yield trends over 30 years (1987‑2016) and related the yields with climatic factors (temperature and precipitation). We also investigated the trends in the use of improved seeds, irrigation access, and fertilizer use in our study area. Results showed that there was an increase in yield of maize, rice, and wheat over 30‑year period. Maize yield slightly increased with increasing average temperature. Rice yields significantly decreased with increasing temperature and precipitation, whereas wheat yield increased with increasing the diurnal temperature range. The present study suggests that future yields of maize, rice, and wheat will be affected by the increasing temperature than precipitation in the Koshi River Basin, Nepal.