It has not rained in the district since mid August. Hence, seasonal crops including paddy, maize, millet and beans among others have been destroyed. Farmers in the district have also not been able to cultivate winter crops including potatoes and wheat due to the drought.
"Failure to grow various crops could lead to acute food crisis in the district," said Dr Chandra Prakash Risal, head of the District Agriculture Development Office (DADO). "Hence we are preparing to declare Mugu as food crisis-hit district," he added.
An emergency meeting of the District Food Security Network decided to recommend to the District Disaster Relief Committee (DDRC) to declare Mugu as food crisis-hit district, according to the DADO.
Hyanglu, Natharpu, Bhiyee, Jima, Ruga, Dhainkot, Kale, Kotdada, Gamtha, Shree Kot, Shree Nagar and Dolphu along with other Village Development Committees (VDCs) of the district are facing acute food crisis at present. With no possibility of agricultural, youths of 24 VDCs have left for India to work and sustain their family.
According to Ram Surath Pal, agriculture promotion officer at the DADO, the district needs 11,256 metric tons of food every year.
"The district experienced dip in agricultural production by over 70 %, which has created shortage of 7,162 metric tons of foods this year," added Pal.
The prolonged agitation of Madhes-based parties and the ongoing Indian blockade have prevented proper supply of food in the market. Nepal Food Corporation in the district headquarters has only 5,200 quintal of food for distribution.
Related story
Eating junk food is bad for health!
