Heavy rain destroys 2,550 hectares Bagerhat Boro fields, farmers fear heavy losses

At least 2,550 hectares of Boro paddy were damaged in Bagerhat after three days of rain, affecting over 12,500 farmers, officials said, as waterlogging and lack of sunlight threaten crops still in fields.

Continuous rain, overcast skies and waterlogging have raised fears of losses. More than half of the 73,171 hectares of cultivated Boro paddy in the district remain unharvested, increasing the risk of further damage.

Farmers had hoped to harvest at the end of the season, but three days of heavy rain and thunderstorms disrupted those plans. In many fields, harvested and half-ripe paddy remain exposed. Some plots are submerged, while others cannot be dried due to lack of sunlight.

Despite early harvesting after weather warnings, most farmers could not finish cutting. Standing paddy faces damage, while harvested crops cannot be dried, adding to their hardship.

Farmers said rising costs of fertiliser, seeds, irrigation and labour had already increased expenses. Further losses from excessive rain could push them into serious financial trouble.

Farmer Yakub Ali of Kachua upazila said, "I cultivated Boro paddy on four bighas. The yield was good, but sudden rain prevented full harvesting. More than half remains in the field. After spending Tk1 lakh, I am now helpless. Without government support, recovery is unlikely."

Another farmer, Sabik, said he harvested paddy for two days with four workers but could not dry it due to cloudy weather. "My land is low-lying and gets waterlogged easily. Continuous rain submerged my paddy. I do not know what to do now."

Farmer Bokkar Howlader said he had kept cut paddy in the field, planning to bring it home in the morning. "It started raining since morning. I managed to bring some paddy, but the rest is now under water."

Many farmers said it would be difficult to recover without government assistance.

Additional Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Bagerhat, Ramesh Chandra Ghosh, said at least 10% of paddy could be lost if the weather does not improve quickly. Losses could be reduced if rain stops and sunlight returns soon.

Deputy Director Md Motahar Hossain said 12,189 metric tonnes of Boro paddy from 2,550 hectares have been damaged, causing losses worth Tk24.38 crore. A total of 12,500 farmers have been affected, and officials are advising them on recovery.