The Nepali hills are deficit in food production, and some districts are more so than the others. Food grains, after the inclusion of the transport cost, become much more expensive in the hills than in the plains, thus pushing them beyond the purchasing power of most people in the hills. Therefore, the government has for years undertaken the task of collecting food grains in surplus areas and making them available at subsidised rates to deficit districts through the state-owned Nepal Food Corporation (NFC). This state-sponsored distribution has also had the effect of putting some kind of check on private businessmen who may otherwise tend to dictate prices at will. However, the supply through NFC channels has been erratic, and every year a number of remote districts suffer from food crisis. For example, half a dozen hilly districts — Sankhuwasabha, Bhojpur, Panchthar, Taplejung, Khotang and Okhaldhunga — have been facing food crisis for the past three weeks, as NFC failed to rush supplies even a month after its district offices had run out of their stocks of rice.

The delay this time around, in Mechi for example, has officially been attributed to problems with tender. The situation has been made worse by frequent transport disruptions caused by blockades, bandhs and strikes. The security situation in the country has also affected the distribution. But it is the duty of the government to make sure that no district faces a food crisis. Excuses such as ‘no tender applications were received despite three tender calls’ cannot hide the inefficiency and lack of responsibility on the part of the NFC officials and those in the ministry who supervise NFC’s performance. In the past, too, officials have resorted to such excuses for their failure to do their job. Supply should not totally be stopped. Part of the regular quantum, at least, should be ferried to the deficit areas as an emergency measure even if security escort, or helicopters, may have to be provided for smooth transport.

Before the Lower House was dissolved, members used to highlight the food crisis in remote districts from time to time. It was also alleged on occasions that the supply had been stopped to certain areas fearing that the food grains might reach the rebels. This concern, though not unreasonable, should not serve as a cover for the failure to ensure a smooth supply. Food shortages have been chronic problems in remote areas like Humla and Jumla districts, and one or the other of these areas occasionally makes news as being on the verge of a famine. It is for the government to take all necessary steps, such as ensuring better coordination among government agencies and improving NFC’s management, but it must deliver.