Pajau Media
16th November, 2024
Currently, the local population engaged in upland rice cultivation is preparing for the harvest season. However, it has been reported that numerous villages in the N-Bapa region of Mansi Township, Bhamo District, are experiencing a rat infestation, resulting in a lack of rice to be harvested.
Local residents report that the rats have consumed all the vegetables and rice they planted. Due to the ongoing damage caused by these rodents, there is insufficient rice remaining to yield a good harvest. Consequently, they are only able to gather a minimal quantity of rice that remains.They have to harvest beans. "said local residents.
The villages of Gau Ri, Lung Hkat, Mai Kong, Hket Ma, and Bum Aung Nan, located within the Nbapa region, are experiencing issues with rat infestations in their upland areas.
The regions experiencing rat infestations include the villages of Gau Ri, Lung Hkat, Mai Kong, Hket Ma, and Bum Aung Nan, all of which are situated within the Nbapa region. The primary source of livelihood for the local population has been the cultivation of upland rice; however, this year, the rat problem has resulted in a complete loss of the rice harvest. In the affected villages, the situation is dire not only for the residents but also for those who have sought refuge from the conflict in Bhamo and Momauk since late May. Consequently, this year poses significant challenges for all individuals living in these areas. Community members have expressed concerns that food shortages may lead to fatalities among the population.
Last year, the Mansi region, along with Sumpra Bum and N Jang Yang Townships, experienced a significant shortage of food and water as a result of a rat infestation, compelling residents to forage for taro tubers in the forest for sustenance.
This year, it is also recognized that the residents of Mansi Township will be unable to observe Thanksgiving Day due to the ongoing war and the prevalence of rat plagues in the area.
This year, rice production has declined not only in Mansi Township within Kachin State but also in the eastern region of Putao, primarily due to an infestation of upland rats. Furthermore, the local population is anticipating that the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) government will carry out field assessments and extend assistance to the regions impacted by this rat plague.
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