Banke, June 22 :

World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations is to provide around 38,000 quintals of food grains in drought-affected 10 hilly districts to save them from starvation.

According to the information provided by the Nepalgunj-based WFP office, this programme will be implemented in nine districts of mid-western region and in Bajura district of the far-western region. This programme has been named as ‘Emergency Food Support’.

According to office sources, 225,000 people of these districts will receive food grains according to this programme. This programme was launched for the first time in Nepal. The food grains also include fortified food for children. After studying the condition of hilly districts, this support programme is going to be launched, said a worker of the office. According to the office, 6,500 quintals of rice and 1,150 quintals of fortified food; 3,000 quintals of rice and 520 quintals of fortified food; 3,800 quintals of rice and 660 quintals of fortified food; 2,460 quintals of rice and 440 quintals of fortified food to be provided in Jajarkot, Kalikot, Bajura and Dailekh districts, respectively.

Similarly, 1,610 quintals of rice and 280 quintals of fortified food; 2,180 quintals of rice and 380 quintals of fortified food; 1,660 quintals of rice and 290 quintals of fortified food will be distributed in Dolpa, Humla and Jumla, respectively.

Similarly, 1,550 quintals of rice and 270 quintals of fortified food will be distributed in Mugu district; 3,640 quintals of rice and 640 quintals of fortified food will be provided for Rolpa district, and 5,640 quintals of rice and 990 quintals of fortified food will be distributed in Rukum district.

The period for this programme is three months.

The supply of food grains in these districts have been initiated, the office said. Food grains will be provided to people in these regions.