Free ration for drought hit families in Mizoram

Aizawl, Sep 11 (UNI) The Mizoram government would provide free rice to over 2,300 families, who are facing a food shortage due to 'crop failure' and lack of purchasing power.

Secretary for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs K Lalnghinglova told media here today that free rice would be provided to the affected families and would later be adjusted from the rice earmarked under Bamboo Flowering and Famine Combat Scheme (BAFFACOS).

''The department has sufficient stock of rice in the area, but the people do not have purchasing power. So we have to distribute rice free of cost,'' Lalnghinglova said.

According to Champhai Deputy Commissioner, at least 2,300 families especially in Champhai district on Mizoram-Myanmar border are facing shortage of food due to 'crop failure' and lack of purchasing capability.

''Around 2,300 families from 20 villages in Champhai are facing food shortage due to poverty and inadequate production of crops last year,'' Lallungmuana said.

No starvation deaths have so far been reported from the district, but immediate relief is needed, he added.

Crop failure due to a severe drought last year left many families penniless and the situation is not likely to improve this year too owing to a delay in monsoon.

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