Kathmandu, May 27 -- Four provinces-Gandaki, Bagmati, Karnali, and Lumbini-are projected to post economic growth rates higher than the national average in the current fiscal year, which ends in mid-July. These projections come from the latest provincial GDP estimates published by the National Statistics Office on Monday.

The economy is forecast to expand by 4.61 percent at the national level, reaching a total GDP of Rs6.17 trillion.

Among the provinces, Gandaki is expected to lead with the highest growth rate of 5.51 percent at consumer prices. Bagmati follows with a projected growth rate of 5.18 percent, Karnali 4.74 percent, and Lumbini 4.70 percent.

In Gandaki, growth is primarily supported by the agriculture, forest, and fishery se...