Dhangadi, September 23

Nepal Food Corporation Seti Zonal Office, Dhangadi has started supplying rice to hilly districts of the far-western region for the upcoming Dashain festival.

The food corporation has been supplying Bangladeshi rice to the region. A total of 400 quintals of rice would be supplied to Darchula, and 100 quintal each to Baitadi, Achham and Bajhang.

“However, the corporation has not dispatched any rice for Bajura as 3,000 quintal rice sent last year is still in stock and 300 quintal rice in Bajhang is also in stock for Dashain and Tihar. There is no possibility of rice crunch during the festivals in the hilly districts this year,” said Dilli Raj Lamsal, chief of the corporation.

As per Lamsal, different contractors have been assigned to dispatch rice to the hilly districts. “The cost of rice differs in different places,” he added. A kg of Bangladeshi rice costs Rs 39. “A large quantity of rice is supplied to the hilly districts whereas people in Tarai region usually don’t buy rice,” he said.

“Many people purchase Bangladeshi rice in the market in cheaper rates than from the corporation. Though Bangladeshi rice is hygienic and good for health, many people are unaware of this fact,” said Lamsal.

Food Corporation Seti Zonal Office Dhangadi said the quantity of rice to be supplied to hilly districts was increased this year.