“Most of my crop is still in my paddy fields. The fuel crisis during the harvest season has hit us hard,” he added.
Not just Man Bahadur, many other farmers in his village face similar predicament. They are deeply worried about the possibility of incurring huge losses for failing to harvest their paddy in time.
Damodar Khadka, another farmer in Tikapur, said the trade blockade imposed by India has affected farmers the most. “We worked really hard to plant the paddy. Our hard efforts will be wasted if we are unable to harvest the crop," said Khadka, adding, "It will further weaken the financial condition of farmers.”
The famers are also facing difficulties to plow their field in lack of fuel. The crisis has prevented them from cultivating wheat, pulses, mustards and potatoes and other vegetables.
Agriculture Cooperative Institute of Munuwa has 1,500 hectors of arable lands which is used for paddy cultivation. “Among the total arable lands of our member farmers, 80 percent are yet to be cultivated,” informed the chairman, Kamal Kathariya.
He complained of hardships faced by the farmers in lack of fuel. Farmers have claimed that petrol pumps distribute oil to vehicles more than farmers who need it for agricultural purposes.
“We don't get diesel even after queuing up for five days. Others get it more easily,” said Kisan Khadka, a local farmer.
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