Food security situation stable

In February, the overall food security situation is reported to be stable across the country.
"Most of the Eastern, Central, and Western Hill and Mountain regions as well as the whole Terai are generally food-secure," according to a report.
"The seasonal improvement in the food security is mainly attributed to the good harvest of summer crops in 2010, following a normal winter crop production in April-May 2010," it said.
According to the preliminary estimates of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the 2010 summer crop production has increased by 11 per cent and 11.5 per cent for paddy and maize, respectively compared to last year, while millet production has increased by one per cent.
Poor or moderately impaired summer crop production was reported in parts of Saptari, Siraha, Mahottari, Dhanusha, Dailekh, Mugu, Dadeldhura, Bajura and Doti districts where localised disasters like dry spell, flood, and hailstorm have affected the crops.
"In part of the eastern Terai, namely Saptari and Siraha districts, significant proportions of paddy field remained fallow due to dry spell and lack of irrigation facilities," the report said, adding that District Food Security Networks (DFSNs) in the Eastern and the Far Western regions have identified a total of 33 VDCs in two districts -- Saptari and Baitadi -- that are highly food insecure.
The Mid and Far Western Hill and Mountain districts, which faces a chronic food insecurity, have reported low to moderate levels of food insecurity. The season appears to be one of the best seasons among the past years since the Food Security Phase Classification was first introduced in mid-2006, the food security report added.
Despite the late start of monsoon, the rain remained active from July till September 2010, providing a good irrigation to the crops. "Poor or moderately impaired summer crop production was reported in parts of Saptari, Siraha, Mahottari, Dhanusha, Dailekh, Mugu, Dadeldhura, Bajura and Doti districts where localised disasters like dry spell, flood, and hailstorm have affected the crops.
In part of the eastern Tarai, namely Saptari and Siraha districts, significant proportions of paddy field -- more than 50 per cent and 30 per cent respectively -- remained fallow due to dry spell and lack of irrigation facilities.
Eastern Hill and Mountain districts -- Taplejung, Terhathum, Sankhuwasabha, Panchthar and Bhojpur -- have benefited from cardamom production and sales, the report said, adding that the production has increased by 30 per cent in Taplejung pulling the selling price by more than five times compared to last year.
In the Karnali region, the population continued to earn good income from the sale of Yarchagumba (medicinal herb), apples, and walnuts. Opening of Tibetan border during the month of August helped people in the border areas to restock the food.