The continuous heavy rains and waterlogging in various areas of Bogura have submerged the crops of farmers, also shattered their hard-earned dreams. Ignoring the harsh winter or summer sun, farmers cultivate cops in barren land. With the money from the sale of that crop, they dream of educating their children, treating their families and providing food for the whole year. But natural disasters, floods, storms and heavy rains wash away those dreams in an instant.
The heavy rains and waterlogging of the last few days have caused extensive damage to agricultural land in Bogura. This has also started to affect the local raw market. Although various types of vegetables are cultivated on 6,751 hectares of land in the district this season, crops on 417 hectares of land have been submerged in water due to heavy rains. The most affected crops include Aush paddy, Aman seedbed, jute, chilli and summer vegetables. Farmers fear that if water is not drained from the land quickly, they will face huge economic losses. As a result, there may also be a shortage of summer vegetables in the northern region. According to the Bogura Department of Agricultural Extension, Aush, Aman seedbed, jute, chilli, maize and various types of vegetables have been cultivated on 33,253 hectares of land in the district. Of this, 11,160 hectares of land are under Aush, 9,580 hectares are under jute, 6,751 hectares are under various types of vegetables, 4,510 hectares are under Aman seedbeds, 592 hectares are under chilli and 660 hectares are under maize. Crops on 417 hectares of land have been submerged in water due to the heavy rains. The most damage has been done in Sariakandi Upazila. Crops on 168 hectares of land belonging to 3,200 farmers have been damaged there. In addition, crops on 14 hectares of land belonging to 91 farmers in Shajahanpur, 38 hectares belonging to 324 farmers in Sonatala, 60 hectares belonging to 470 farmers in Dupchanchia, 75 hectares belonging to 491 farmers in Kahalu and 45 hectares belonging to 385 farmers in Adamdighi have been submerged.
The affected crops include 31 hectares of Aush, 115 hectares of jute, 96 hectares of various vegetables, 123 hectares of Aman seedbeds, 22 hectares of chilli and 13 hectares of other crops. The most affected are Aman seedbed farmers - 2,042 people. However, no agricultural land was submerged in Bogura Sadar, Gabtoli, Shibganj and Nandigram upazilas.
Agriculture officials say this is a preliminary estimate. The actual damage picture will become clearer when the flood waters recede. Then the amount of affected land may increase further.
Meanwhile, the Bogura Meteorological Office said that heavy rains have been falling across the district since the beginning of this July. The total rainfall in the district in July last year was 395.3 millimeters. This time, the heavy rains have created a flood situation in 7 out of the 12 upazilas of the district. Many farmers have been affected.
Sujit Chandra, Deputy Assistant Agricultural Officer of the Bogra Department of Agricultural Extension, said that various crops have been cultivated on 33,253 hectares of land in the district. Of this, crops on 417 hectares of land have been submerged in water and 4,961 farmers have been affected. If the rain continues, the amount of damage may increase further. If the waterlogging lasts for a few days, it will not be possible to save the crops on these lands.
Enamul Haque, a farmer from Sariakandi Upazila, said, I spent about 50,000 taka on Patal cultivation. I was able to sell some. But now the entire field has been destroyed due to heavy rains. There is no capital to invest again. I have faced major losses. Bogura Deputy Commissioner Taufiqur Rahman said that the work of preparing a list of affected farmers is underway. A proposal will be sent to the ministry for emergency allocation. In addition, it will be ensured that the actual affected farmers get seeds, fertilizers and financial incentives quickly.
