disaster update
Kathmandu, Sept 14: The agricultural sector incurred a significant loss from the recent flash floods that struck the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system on August 26.
According to a Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) report jointly prepared by the National Planning Commission and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the disaster had its significant implications on crops and vegetables especially on paddy, vegetables and livestock.
The available details suggest that paddy farming stretching to 1,669 hectares area was damaged by the flood, causing the loss for the production of 5,843 tonnes of rice. Total agricultural crop damage is estimated at 1.09 billion (USD 7.22 million).
The assessment includes standing-crop damage and estimates of subsequent-season production effects within this amount.
Livestock sector incurs losses worth Rs 1.11 billion
The livestock and poultry sector has been severely hit by the floods, causing substantial losses to farmers. According to available data, a total of 252,445 animals and birds have been affected, with the estimated financial loss standing at Rs 1.11 billion.
Poultry accounts for the largest share in terms of the number of animals and birds affected, with around 214,827 birds affected. Although, poultry makes up 85.1 percent of the total number of affected animals and birds, the financial loss from poultry accounts for only 4.8 percent of the total loss.
The loss is heavier on larger livestock. Losses involving 4,572 buffaloes is have been estimated at Rs 457.2 million, accounting for 41 percent of the total livestock losses. Similarly, losses of goats and mountain goats (chyangra) amount to Rs 391.3 million or 35.1 percent of the total, while losses involving cows and oxen stand at Rs 179.2 million or 16.1 percent.
