Agroclimatic Zones in Nepal

i. Tropical zone: In this region temperature is high and it becomes hot throughout the year, except some periods in winter. There is no frost at all and snow is rare. The average annual temperature exceeds 240C. The altitude is about 75m to 1,000m from MSL. The eastern region gets more rain compared with the western zones. The whole terai and lower valley in the hills falls in this region. Crops, which are grown successfully in this zone, are mango, banana, papaya, pineapple, litchi, jackfruit, guava etc, non-hardy (tender) vegetables, rice and wheat.

ii. Sub-tropical zone: This region is comparatively cooler than the tropical zone. There is distinct summer and mild frosty winter. Summer season is comparatively long and humidity is high. The altitude ranges from about 1,000 m to 1,5000m from MSL. The average annual temperature remains about 170C to 240C. The lower mid-hills fall in this zone. Citrus fruits are predominantly grown with other fruits such as pomegranate, fig, date, guava, avocado, semi-hardy and non-hardy vegetables are grown well. Some low-chilling varieties of fruits such as strawberry, peach, plum and apricot of temperate zones, maize and finger millet can also be grown successfully.

iii. Mid-temperate zone: In this zone, there is moderate climate throughout the year and winter is not very severe. The altitude generally ranges from 1,050m to 2,000m above means sea level. The higher altitude may get snow during winters. High hills and mid hills, base of the high hills, and lower Mahabharat lekh fall in this zone. The annual average temperature lies between 10 to 150C.The mild deciduous fruits such as peach, plum, pear, almond, apricot, persimmon, chestnut etc. and hardy and semi-hardy vegetables, buckwheat, barley etc. can be grown successfully.

iv. Temperate zone: In this region, winter is pronounced with frost. Snow occurs every year. It becomes very cold throughout the year. The average temperature is less than 100C and in winter it is less than 00C. Rainfall also is less. The altitude is between 2,000-3,000 from MASL. Mahabharat lekh and high hills falls in this region. Apple, pear, walnut, and other temperate stone fruits and hardy vegetables can be grown in this zone.