Continuous heavy rainfall and upstream water flow have caused extensive agricultural damage across the district, affecting nearly 50,000 farmers, according to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).
An initial assessment as of May 4 shows that crops on about 11,174 hectares of land have been damaged, impacting 49,715 farmers across 13 upazilas—particularly in vulnerable haor regions.
Officials identified the worst-hit areas as Itna, where 3,261 hectares of land belonging to around 11,500 families were submerged, and Ashtagram, with 2,703 hectares affected, impacting about 9,150 families.
Other significantly affected upazilas include Tarail (1,224 hectares), Nikli (923 hectares), Karimganj (830 hectares), Mithamoin (690 hectares), Katiadi (585 hectares), Sadar (275 hectares), Bhairab (211 hectares), Bajitpur (162 hectares), Kuliarchar (65 hectares), and Hossainpur (47 hectares).
Local residents blamed prolonged waterlogging on unplanned embankment construction, silted drainage systems, and non-functional sluice gates, which have prevented rainwater from receding. As a result, vast areas of boro paddy fields remained submerged even without major river flooding.
Farmers said that although seasonal water influx is common in haor areas, this year’s persistent waterlogging severely disrupted harvesting. Many were unable to harvest on time due to shortages of diesel and agricultural labour. While workers from other districts usually assist during peak harvest, increased reliance on mechanised harvesters and flooded conditions limited their effectiveness this season.
Agricultural experts warned that delayed water recession is also obstructing seedbed preparation and subsequent planting, raising concerns over future crop production.
Deputy Director of DAE, Dr Sadiqur Rahman, said the current figures are based on data collected up to May 4. He added that an additional 1,500 hectares of boro paddy have since been submerged, and efforts are underway to prepare a comprehensive list of affected farmers.
Source - https://en.somoynews.tv
