Bhojpur, July 6

Farmers in Bhojpur have been a worried lot due to a prolonged drought that has taken toll on their crops and made life difficult in the hilly district.

The long drought has particularly hit maize farmers as their crops have wilted for want of rain. Farmers in Taksar, Amtek, Jarayotar, Dalgaun, Bastim, Thulodumma, Sanedumma, Yangpang, Sindrang, Hoptang and Manebhanjyang had cultivated maize this year.

Rohit Karki, a farmer of Malbanse,Bhojpur Municipality, said he had lost hope of any harvest this time.

“As there has been no rainfall for months, the crops are simply dying. The drought has also affected fruit plants,” he said.

Another farmer Rama Karki lamented the loss she suffered due to the drought.

“I had hoped to make some money by selling agricultural products and use it to cover daily household expenses and the education expenses of my children, but to no avail. The drought has shattered all my hopes and sent all my hard work and investment down the drain,” she said.

The government should provide relief to them, demanded the farmers.

The farmers also complained that the drought had also caused drinking water crunch as water sources had gone dry in the district.