Rodent Outbreak Leaves Residents in Sumpra Bum Township Facing Food Shortages and Livelihood Hardships

Pajau Media

April 7, 2026

Residents in some areas of Sumpra Bum Township are facing food shortages and hardship as they were only able to harvest a small amount of rice due to a rodent outbreak during last year’s harvesting season, according to local sources.

In areas such as Lungwang, Lagawn Kathawng, Htingnan, Nsai Yang, and Hkindu Yang within Sumpra Bum Township, a rodent outbreak severely affected paddy fields, resulting in very low yields. As a result, local people are now experiencing food shortages and difficulties in sustaining their livelihoods, a resident from Lungwang village said.

“We only got about 50 baskets from an entire hill farm (2 baskets equal 1 tin). Some people didn’t even have anything to harvest. We already consumed all other crops, so nothing is left. Sometimes gold miners here give us a bag of rice. That’s how we are surviving,” he said.

The areas are under the control of the KIA. Although some assistance has been provided by the KIA and NGOs, it has not been sufficient. Some families are reportedly surviving on taro and sweet potatoes.

People in Sumpra Bum Township mainly rely on hill farming for their livelihoods, and with no other sources of income, the situation has become even more difficult.

Transportation of food is also challenging due to rough terrain. Rice has to be transported in multiple stages by boat, car, and motorbike. As a result, the price of a bag of rice has risen to over 300,000 kyats by the time it reaches Lungwang village.

Rodent outbreaks have been affecting Sumpra Bum Township since 2022 and have worsened each year, with the most severe impacts recorded in 2024 and 2025.

News: Zaw