Floods impacted paddy and jute most

The long-term floods have affected the paddy and jute crops more than any other crops in the country this year. Besides, summer vegetables and maize are in second position in the crop damage list, according to the final report of the Ministry of Agriculture on the damage of crops across the country due to floods.

The final report from the Ministry of Agriculture shows that the total estimated cost of damage to crops across the country is Tk1323 crore.  

Sources from the ministry said, Aus production was on the priority list to prevent food shortage in the country because of the coronavirus epidemic. 

But this additional production will not be available due to the floods. However, the government is trying to compensate for this loss by encouraging the production of aman paddy. 

Hence, the government is providing some incentives like free seeds, distribution of aman saplings, distribution of fertilisers, and even direct cash assistance to some farmers.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), aus has been produced in an additional 3 lakh hectares of land. The yield has also been good. The amount of damage caused by the floods may not reduce production.

The director general of the DAE told The Business Standard that despite the losses, aus production this time will be 5 metric tonnes more than that last year. 

Regarding aman, he said, "The target of aman cultivation has been taken in 55 lakh hectares of land. However, due to sufficient rainfall, the planting target may extend this time." 

According to the estimate of crop damage by the Ministry of Agriculture, the loss of aus has been more than Tk322 crore. 

In line with aus paddy, aman has also been affected severely. The loss of Bona aman paddy is around Tk265 crore. 

Besides, vegetables worth Tk235 crore and jute worth Tk210 crore have been damaged. The affected crop list also includes peanuts, chilli, and sugarcane, among others.