SURKHET: A food shortage has emerged at three sales outlets of the Food Management and Trading Company Ltd (FMTCL) in Upper Dolpa, with stocks of essential food grains running low.
The affected outlets, located in Dho, Saldang, and Tinje, are experiencing a critical shortfall in rice and other staple supplies.
According to Bishnu Ghimire, Chief of the Dolpa branch of FMTCL, the shortage is due to the absence of a new supply contract for rice this year and the lack of stock replenishment during the previous fiscal year.
Dhawa Samduk Gurung, Chairperson of Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality, stated that while the government-subsidized rice from FMTCL is sold at Rs 2,219 per 25 kg, the same amount can cost up to Rs 4,500 in the open market. He emphasized the importance of regular supply, especially during major festivals like Dashain and Tihar, when food demand increases.
“We request the Company to ensure rice is transported and sold at least once a year. Without timely supply, there could be a severe food crisis in Upper Dolpa by the second week of October,” Gurung warned.
Upper Dolpa comprises three rural municipalities: Shey-Phoksundo, Chharkatangsong, and Dolpobuddha—all of which rely heavily on subsidized food grain supplies due to their remote locations and limited agricultural output.
Meanwhile, the FMTCL Provincial Office in Surkhet has claimed that there is an adequate stock of food grains at depots and sales outlets across Karnali Province. However, the situation in Upper Dolpa suggests a pressing need for targeted supply efforts in the region’s high-altitude areas.
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