Kathmandu. Hundreds of farmers have been affected after an 11,000-volt transformer installed for irrigation was stolen at Simara Chaur of Golbazaar municipality-13 in Siraha district. The irrigation service has come to a standstill due to disruption of power supply during the main season of farming.

Durgesh Kumar Singh, a farmer, said that the transformer was stolen at a time when the farmers were preparing to plant paddy and other crops. “After the transformer was stolen, now we have to rely on diesel pumps or other alternative sources, which will increase the cost of farming. “, he said.

Rampreet Yadav, a farmer, said that farming is the main source of income for his family and the theft of transformers has had a big impact. Expressing concern that production will decrease due to lack of irrigation, he demanded immediate restoration of power supply.

The cases of transformer theft have been on the rise in Siraha in recent times. Information Officer at the District Police Office, Siraha, Deputy Superintendent of Police Ramesh Bahadur Pal said, “So far 15 complaints have been received regarding the transformer theft. Based on the complaint, an investigation is underway and a search is on for those involved in the incident. ’

According to him, such complaints have also been received from Nawarajpur and Bariyarpatti among other areas.