RAJSHAHI, July 31: Late rain caused by adverse effects of climate change prompted local farmers to start delayed Aman cultivation. But, they are facing acute labourer crisis.
In the meantime, some farmers planted Aman seedlings by irrigating with water from pond, canal and deep tube-well. But, soon after rainfall, they have started plantation with full force. They are now hoping to achieve the cultivation target.
According to the local Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), this year's Aman farming target in the district is 73,335 hectares of land. So far, seeds have been sown on 3,667 ha of land.
Aman cultivation here is dependent on rain. The farmers usually plant Aman seedlings from the beginning of the Bengali month of Ashar. But this year, they have delayed to plant seedlings as rain came late. However, they are facing acute labourer crisis.
Farmer Tareq Rahman of Tighar Village in Paba Upazila said, "I will cultivate Aman on two bighas of land this season. The delayed rain prevented me from planting seedlings earlier."
Fazlur Rahman, a teacher of Maugachi Village in Mohanpur Upazila, said the labourer crisis has become acute as the labourers are demanding more money. In the meantime, many farmers planted seedlings by paying more money to the labourers.
AKM Manjur Molla, Paba Upazila agriculture officer, said, "Before rain, there was drought in the region. We advised farmers to irrigate their lands with water from different water bodies and deep tube-well. Following our advice, many farmers irrigated their lands and planted the seedlings. But most farmers were waiting for rain. Now the cultivation will start fully as the rain happened."
Deputy Director of Rajshahi DAE Deb Dulal Dhali said, "The time of Aman cultivation has not passed yet. Farmers will be able to plant Aman seedings till the month of Srabon. Finally, the rain has started. I hope farmers will be able to achieve the targets."
