Source: Xinhua
04-13-2009 11:55
Special Report: Tech MaxKATHMANDU, April 11 (Xinhua) -According to eKantipur.com, at least eight Terai districts -- Sunsari, Saptari, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Siraha, Kailali and Dhanusha -- didn't produce adequate food grains for themselves this year, said the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MoAC).
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| Southern Nepal faces food deficit for first time |
"In addition, other Terai districts including Nawalparasi, Chitwan, Banke and Morang are likely to face a food deficit in the near future," said MoAC Spokesperson Hari Dahal.
He said one main reason behind the food deficit in Terai was the growing population in the plains against low productivity of the areas.
"Decreased soil fertility due to low use of organic fertilizers is another reason," he added.
He said food deficit in the country's grain basket signals serious challenges in maintaining food security. Moreover, India's prohibition on rice export poses a grave threat to food security in Nepal, according to him.
