Food shortage looms in Mugu

Kathmandu, May 09, 2016: Villagers of 24 VDCs in Mugu district are likely to face food shortage this year due to decline in winter crops production.

Badri Narayan Dev of the District Agriculture Development Office (DADO) said the crops planted on a large area in the district died out because of drought.

“The winter crops production has dropped by 75 percent,” he said. “The villages of Jima, Kalai, Rara, Natharpu, Bihi, Hyanglung, Rugha, Rowa, Sukadhika, Pina, Karkibada, Shreenagar have been affected the most.”

Birjan Damai of Rawalbadaare said after the crops died out he had to borrow money to feed his family.

“Some families have it worse,” he said. “They are relying on roots and tubers from the forest to stay alive.”

Crop failure in the district has also led many villagers to go to India in search of jobs.