Prolonged heavy rainfall, driven by active monsoon conditions and low-pressure systems, has caused widespread crop damage across 20 districts, resulting in estimated losses of Tk429.95 crore, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Between 4 July and 14 July, nearly 2.51 lakh farmers were affected as rising water levels submerged fields and disrupted cultivation. 

A press release issued by the ministry today stated that around 18,340 hectares of farmland were damaged during this period. The affected crops include Aush paddy, Aman seedbeds, vegetables, betel leaf, ginger, turmeric, and chili.

Vegetable fields were hit particularly hard, with damage recorded on roughly 3,520 hectares. This has led to a disruption in market supply, causing a temporary price hike. However, officials have assured that the situation is stabilising and that both supply and pricing are expected to return to normal within days.

The districts worst affected include Cumilla, Chandpur, Brahmanbaria, Cox's Bazar, Noakhali, Feni, Lakshmipur, Rangamati, Khagrachari, Pabna, Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Narail, Barishal, Jhalakathi, Patuakhali, Barguna, Bhola, and Shariatpur.

Source - https://www.tbsnews.net