Crop production in Bajhang has dwindled because of prolonged drought. The district has not received rain since August, 2015.

“We cannot grow crops and the local shopkeepers have stopped giving us rice on credit,” said Chanda Okheda of Kailash village.

People in Bajhang are worried about possible food shortage this year due to drought.

Dhankala Saud of Dangaji said: “I cannot even manage two square meal a day for my four kids. The crop dried in the field because there was no rain for a long time. We don’t know how to cope with the situation.”

According to the 2011 census, the population of district stands at 195,159. A large number of youth population from the district are employed in India. The families who do not have alternative source of income other than farming have suffered the most by the drought.

“Most of the households are left with women and children,” said Mamata Shah, a social activist.