Relief flights help Rasuwa farmers reach markets
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The World Food Programme (WFP) is flying vegetables from flood-isolated Aamachhodingmo in Rasuwa district, Nepal, to Bidur in Nuwakot district, helping farmers sell their crops after recent floods damaged roads and bridges.
The WFP began a pilot program on October 9, coordinating with local officials and cooperatives to transport approximately 8,000 kilograms of fresh vegetables on return flights delivering relief supplies.
Farmers in four wards of Aamachhodingmo faced the risk of losing an estimated Rs80 million worth of vegetables due to the disrupted access to markets following the August 26 Bhotekoshi floods. The initiative allows farmers to salvage some income from produce that was close to rotting. Lakpa Kami Tamang, a ward chair, explained that the WFP’s support offered a vital opportunity to earn money from crops that would have otherwise been lost.
Riaz Lodhi, WFP Nepal director, stated the program addresses the economic impact of the disaster by connecting farmers with buyers and supporting local food security. However, the helicopter transport currently reaches only a portion of the affected farmers. Chhiring Sangmo Tamang reported having Rs3 million worth of vegetables still needing buyers, highlighting the large scale of the problem.
Buchung Tamang, chair of Aamachhodingmo Rural Municipality, is continuing discussions with the WFP to transport more produce, while emphasizing the need to rebuild roads and bridges for a full recovery. Residents are currently relying on temporary cable crossings called tuins to navigate the damaged areas.
