Food crisis in Bhotkhola rural municipality

– Bhabin Karki

The Bhotkhola rural municipality in the remote northern region of Sankhuwasabha has been facing a food crisis. The food crisis is due to the closure of the Kimanthanka transit with neighbouring China, which remains shut since the past 2.5 months following the spread of the Coronavirus.

People in ward no.s 1 and 2 are facing severe shortage of food, said the rural municipality Chair Temba Bhote. The transit point is four days walk from the district headquarters Khandbari.

Geographically very remote, Bhotkhola is yet to get access to means of communications and transport service. The region was entirely dependent on the markets in neighbouring China. However, that source remains cut off since late January. The region only grows millet, maize and potatoes, which is sufficient only for two to four months of the year.

Meanwhile, food supplies are being transported from Khandbari and will be reached to those affected within few days, said Chair Bhote.