Rice crops to help feed more than 1,000 people have been planted thanks to INF UK supporters who donated to our Nepal Monsoon Appeal.

Monsoon season began with a drought

The early part of this year’s monsoon season was notable for the lack of rain in July and August. Many parts of the country experienced a prolonged drought.

Farming families in Madhesh province were hit particularly hard, along the eastern part of the Terai plains neighbouring the Indian border.

The crisis escalated into a humanitarian emergency, with agricultural livelihoods collapsing and drinking water becoming increasingly scarce. The dignity, health, and survival of thousands of people was under threat.

The most vulnerable – elderly people, women, and children – were disproportionately affected as families struggled to find water for drinking, planting crops, and livestock.

Water pumps save crops

In Rautahat district, the lack of rainfall disrupted irrigation, resulting in widespread crop failure and increasing food insecurity.

Here, thanks to donations to our Monsoon Appeal, our partner Asal Chhimekee Nepal was able to distribute 50 electric water pumps to help irrigate 250 families’ fields.

Farmers are already using the pumps to irrigate their fields, with rice crops planted that will feed families and bring in an income. Where there was a drought there is now food security, thanks to our generous supporters.

The effects of climate change are clear to see here, with changing rainfall patterns and more frequent droughts. These water pumps will give families greater protection from unpredictable weather in the years to come.