Continuous rain and upstream flash floods have submerged more than 2,500 hectares of boro paddy land afresh in Kishoreganj. This brings the total damaged area in the district to 12,500 hectares, affecting about 49,000 farmers.

Dr Sadiqur Rahman, deputy director of the district Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), confirmed the figures at about 5.30pm on Monday, 4 May.

Continuing rain and upstream flash floods have inundated large low-lying parts of the haor region, with Itna and Austagram upazilas worst hit. With their fields under water, many farmers cannot cut ripe paddy and are in great hardship.

Heavy rain has also raised fears of damage to vegetable fields in various parts of the district. It rained from night until morning, but the sun came out as the day went on, bringing farmers some relief.

The Nikli weather office said 56 mm of rain was recorded in the district in the past 24 hours.

According to the office of the executive engineer of the Kishoreganj Water Development Board, at 9am on Monday the Dhanu-Baulai river at Itna had risen to 3.26 metres, 10 cm higher than the previous day. The Meghna at Chamraghat stood at 2.95 metres, up 17 cm, and the Kalni at Austagram at 2.58 metres, up 18 cm.

At Bhairab Bazar, however, the Meghna fell to 1.72 metres, 5 cm lower than the day before.

The Water Development Board said all rivers are still flowing below the danger level, but water could rise further if rain and flash floods continue.

Local farmers said they face great uncertainty with so much paddy already under water. Unable to dry their paddy, they are being forced to sell it cheaply, and many are making losses.

Md Sajjad Hossain, executive engineer of the Kishoreganj Water Development Board, said the situation is under constant watch. The local administration and farmers have been asked to stay alert to possible risks, and farmers have been advised to harvest quickly and bring their paddy home.

Dr Sadiqur Rahman said field data up to Sunday afternoon showed 12,500 hectares under water, with the greatest damage in Itna and Austagram. Sixty-one per cent of the paddy in the district's haors has already been harvested. If rainfall does not increase, the risk of major damage may ease somewhat, but the situation is still risky. On the agriculture ministry's instructions, field staff are preparing a list of affected farmers.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.