Nepal Food Corporation has not reinstated its depots in remote villages of Humla district which were vacated during the insurgency period. As a result, many impoverished people are unable to buy rice in subsidised rate.

“Some villagers have reached to the point of selling their land just so they could feed their families. One kilogram of parboiled rice could cost up to Rs 220 in the local market,” said Tika Bahadur Shahi of Darm VDC.

Because of high food prices in the local market, Shahi said, some people visit the markets in the neighbouring districts of Mugu and Bajura.

It is estimated that 26, 000 people in 14 VDCs, including Shartideu, Barai, Saya, Rodikot, Gothi, Miltham, Darm, Srimasta, Mimi, Jaira, Shirnagar, Kalika, Mahila and Madana, are facing difficulty in the absence of the NFC depots close to their villages.

To add to their woe, crop production in the district is also falling because of prolonged drought.

According to District Agriculture Office, the summer crop production in Humla declined by around 50 percent this year.