Fair price shops begin operations in 42 locations in Karnali Province

By Rajani Yogi,Surkhet, Sept. 18: Targeting the upcoming festivals of Dashain and Tihar, fair-price shops have come into operations in Karnali Province on Monday. 

Karnali Provincial Office of the Food Management and Trading Company Limited (FMTCL)  has expanded its network of subsidised stores to rural areas. 

These fair price shops, which were previously limited to district headquarters, are now being expanded to 42 locations across Karnali Province.

According to Keshab Raj Budha, head of the Karnali Regional Office of FMTCL, the initiative aims to ensure food accessibility and affordability in remote villages, especially during the festive season. 

“We have coordinated with local municipalities to mobilise manpower and transportation to operate these rural-based outlets,” he added. 

As of  Monday, 19 such shops have already started operations in various districts, including Jajarkot, Kalikot, Jumla, Mugu, Humla, Dolpa, Rukum West, Dailekh, and Surkhet. Preparations are underway to expand to additional locations in the coming weeks.

The subsidised outlets are offering discounted prices on rice, sugar, and cooking oil, key staples during Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath festivals. Discounts include Rs. 5 off per kg of rice and sugar, and Rs. 7 off per litre of oil. 

Currently, the company has stored 12,000 quintals of rice, 100 quintals of sugar, and 26,500 litres of oil across the province.

Focus on nutrition

FMTCL is also distributing fortified rice this year, aiming to address malnutrition issues in the region. The fortified rice contains essential nutrients such as Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, B12, zinc, iron, and folic acid , an improvement from previous years, when the distributed rice lacked sufficient nutritional content.

Last year, Karnali Province saw sales of 26,239 quintals of rice, 42,950 litres of oil, and 122 quintals of sugar through the subsidised programme. 

These efforts resulted in Rs. 13.5 million in total savings for consumers.

Humla District recorded the highest consumption, with over 6,100 quintals of rice and nearly 100 quintals of sugar sold, saving locals more than Rs. 3.1 million.

This year’s fair price will runs until October 27, aligning with the major national holidays.