WFP starts food aid for victims

World Food Program (WFP) yesterday launched its three-month-long food aid programme for the jhum cultivators in the rat-infested areas in Rangamati and Bandarban hill districts.
Different unions of Baghaichhari, Barkal, Jurachhari and Bilaichhari upazilas in Rangamati and Thanchi, Ruma and Rowangchhari upazilas in Bandarban have been brought under the package food aid programme, WFP sources said.
WFP officials in presence of local public representatives including UP chairmen and ward members yesterday formally distributed rice, edible oil and salt to the jhum cultivators who were affected by rat invasion at Vijakijing in Banjogichhara union under Jurachhari upazila.
A sack of 50 kg rice, 3.75 litres edible oil and a kg of salt were given to each household.
The WFP is running this programme through the Centre for Indigenous Peoples Development (CIPD), a local non-government development organisation in Rangamati.
WFP identified a total of 25,680 households, who were severely affected by the rat attack, in Rangamati and Bandarban districts.
At the first stage, 7152 jhum cultivators in different remote areas in Rangamati will be provided the food aid.
Initially this programme is for three months but it may be extended if fund is available, said Rita Chakma, in-charge of WFP in Chittagong Hill Tracts.