Nepal’s Southern plains go dry Mid-Monsoon, raising alarm among farmers

Jul 17, 2025

Janakpur (Nepal), July 17 (ANI): Hand pumps, fields, and other sources of water have gone dry in the Madhesh province of Nepal, prompting the provincial government to mobilize fire engines and other vehicles to deliver water to affected communities. The months from June to September, often the monsoon window in the Himalayan nation, are not the same for the southern plains of Nepal--the grain basket this year--with the absence of rain. The provincial government has now declared eight districts as drought-affected areas following the absence of rain. Nepal’s Madhesh Province is facing an acute water crisis as monsoon rains remain absent. Among the eight drought-hit districts, Parsa is the worst affected, with residents struggling for daily water needs. In response, provincial fire engines—each carrying 5,000 litres—are delivering water, operated with support from the Nepal Army. Agriculture, contributing 35.2% of Madhesh’s economy, has been hit hard. Farmers growing food grains, vegetables, and spices are uncertain about the coming days. Despite forecasts of above-average rainfall this year, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) warns that nearly 2 million people could be impacted by monsoon-related disasters. Watch how climate extremes are disrupting lives in Nepal’s agricultural heartland.