The recent hailstorms have destroyed an estimated 70 percent of the ready-to-harvest winter crops in Bajhang, according to District Agricultural Development Office (DADO). 

Hailstorms witnessed by the district since mid-April have mostly affected the farmers in  Bitthad, Chir, Khaptad Channa, Masta and Talkot village councils and Japrithvi and Bangul municipalities. Just when they were preparing for harvest, the hailstorms flattened their crops.   

The concerned farmers now fear that there could be a food shortage in the region.

Lalbandi Bista, one of the farmers, said he had planted wheat and barley on around five ropanis of his land. 

“Not a single crop was left standing. I don’t know how my family will survive rest of the year,” he said.  

According to the DADO, it was still assessing the damage caused in the farms by the hailstorms. 

“Our initial estimates is 70 percent but it could be far worse,” said Ganga Prasad Awasthi, a DADO official. “Seven hundred and thirteen farmers have been left without a grain.”

The DADO has recommended the Ministry of Agriculture Development to release Rs 9.3 million to compensate the affected farmers.