Storm and hailstorms have caused a huge loss of boro paddy in different upazilas of Rajshahi.
Paddy fields in the recent rains have gone under water. Labourer crisis in the area worsened the situation. The dream of the farmer is being faded in this dilemma.
The early varieties of Jirasail, BRRI-28 and BRII-29 were being harvested in full swing since the beginning of the reaping season. As the yield was good, the farmer dreamt of a good profit. But the dream washed away because of storm and hailstorm. Hailstorm has caused fall of ripen rice. The farmers have started cutting boro paddy from submerged land as there was a heavy rainfall in last few days.
Nur Mohammad, a farmer said, the farmers will not be able to fetch rice to their yards until the water recedes. If the rice fields remain flooded for more days, then paddy will be badly damaged. Due to the hailstorm, the yield will also be lower. Besides, the workers are demanding higher wages in the wake of manpower crisis.
Farmer Afaz Uddin Sarker of Teghor village of Paba upazila said, he cultivated boro in 6 bighas of land. Half of his boro paddy was damaged due to the hailstorm. He apprehends to face a loss of about Tk 5-6 thousand per bigha land. He is very worried about labourer crisis also.
Department of Agriculture Extension Deputy Director Dev Dulal Dhali said man has no has control over natural disaster. The farmers will not have to face much loss, but the farmers are in at trouble with submerged boro paddy. Anyway, he advised to reap the rice quickly.
This year, target of Boro cultivation in Rajshahi district was set at 66,212 hectares. It has been cultivated in 69,205 hectares. Last year, Boro was cultivated in around 67,000 hectares of land.
AIMD
