People living in the southern part of Humla district are facing food shortage due to last year’s drought.

Though the government had declared “Karnali Special Programme” in the drought-hit villages four months ago, the National Food Corporation (NFC) has been unable to ferry rice to the affected areas.

Sankhu Jaishi of Maila VDC said there is no sufficient food in his house. “We have been borrowing money to purchase grains,” said Jaishi.   

The NFC had planned to transport 4,500 quintals of rice to Shreenagar and 3,500 quintals to Sarkeghat. However, the NFC ferried only 59 quintals and 60 quintals of rice in Shreenagar and Sarkeghat, respectively.

According to the Humla NFC, the rice is stuck in Nepalgunj and Surkhet due to lack of helicopters to airlift them to the district.

“We had planned to transport rice at Shreenagar and Sarkeghat villages using Nepal Army’s helicopters after having disputes between locals and concerned stakeholders. There are no helicopters available now,” said Narayan KC, chief at the Humla NFC, adding that they have been coordinating with the NA for helicopters.

People living in Maila, Madana, Srinagar, Kalika, Jair, Mimi, Darm, Shreemasta, Melchham, Gothi, Rodikot, Saya, Barai and Sarkideu depend on food supplied

from Srinagar and Sarkeghat, according to Purna Rokaya,

a trader.