Drought takes toll in Humla; crops dry up in fields

Humla is currently in the grip of a long spell of drought. Due to the drought, the ready-to-harvest crops, including wheat in the fields of Bargaun, Thehe, Limatang, Torpa and other villages here have dried up.

Farmers of Simkot Rural Municipality-1, 2, 3 and 4 complained that the crops have been ruined due to drought.

In absence of alternative water arrangements, they are worried about cultivating another crop and eking out a livelihood for their families.

Gajima Lama, a resident of Simkot Rural Municipality-3, said famine might take place in absence of snow in the winter. 

There has been no snow this year, she said, adding that there may emerge a situation of starvation in the area.

Lama further voiced her complaint that she could not cultivate crops now due to lack of rain as it was already delayed to sow millet.

Gaugora Bohara, a farmer of Simkot Rural Municipality-2, Thehegaun said they could not cultivate chilies, corn, pumpkins and other vegetables in the wait for rain.

"Eight to 10 years ago, the fields were not dry like this, but the problem has arisen when there is no snow and rain in the winter season this year", he shared.