RAJSHAHI, Nov 3: Rajshahi farmers are facing significant losses after three days of continuous rain and gusty winds caused by Cyclone Montha, which have damaged paddy fields, vegetable crops, and aquaculture ponds across the region.
The worst-hit areas include Tanore, Charghat, Paba, and Godagari upazilas, where ripe and semi-ripe Aman paddy has been flattened in the fields.
Farmers said the crop was due for harvesting in just 10-15 days. However, steady drizzle from Wednesday evening, followed by heavy rain and strong winds through Friday night, has left many fields water-logged. Low-lying areas have accumulated standing water, damaging winter vegetables and Rabi crops as well. Many farmers are now anxious about the losses.
A fisherman, Nur Mohammad, 50, from Basupura Union in Bagmara Upazila reportedly died of heart attack after his pond was submerged in rainwater.
The Rajshahi Meteorological Office reported that 14.8 millimetres of rainfall was recorded in the district in the 24 hours, with wind speeds reaching 9 km/h Friday night. In-charge Rahidul Islam said, "The rain in Rajshahi may continue until Sunday. Conditions will improve gradually."
Field visits revealed flattened paddy crops, with many grains submerged in water. Farmers warned that prolonged water-logging could spoil the panicles.
Tanore farmer Saidul Islam said, "We were planning to start harvesting this week. But now, the paddy is lying flat in the field. If it doesn't dry soon, it will rot." Another farmer, Zohurul Haque, added, "We are digging canals to drain the water, but the lack of proper drainage is hampering efforts. Flattened crops will also require more labour to harvest."
In Paba's Nohata and Madhusudanpur areas, farmer Mostofa said, "I cultivated two bighas of paddy, but nearly half of it was flattened by rain. Yield will be lower, and we will face losses."
Deputy Director of Rajshahi Agricultural Extension Office Mohammad Nasir Uddin warned that standing water could damage newly sown winter vegetables and Rabi crops. He advised farmers to maintain regular contact with the department and follow technical guidance to minimize losses.
Farmers fear that without proper drainage and improvement in weather, crops may suffer severe setbacks. Standing water can not only reduce paddy yields but also affect overall crop production in the region.
In Tanore's Mundumala area, farmer Jaminur Rahman, who cultivated eight bighas of Aman, saw his golden fields flattened overnight by heavy rains and gusty winds associated with Cyclone Montha. "I had dreamed of harvesting my golden paddy in 10-12 days, but the rain and floodwater destroyed it all," he said. Thousands of farmers across Tanore, Godagari, Chapainawabganj, Nachol, Rahonpur, and Niamatpur share similar stories of devastation.
The flooding affected not only paddy but also fish ponds, winter vegetables, and road-side trees. Residents reported uprooted trees, blocked roads, and opportunistic illegal fishing in floodwaters. Locals said, "We haven't seen such heavy rainfall in Kartik for the past 10 years. No farmer or fisherman was prepared." Even after floodwaters recede, pests may attack the rice crop, increasing the cost of insecticides and lowering yields.
In Godagari, gusty winds and continuous rain flattened homes and fields. Friday night's sudden storm damaged 100 houses, shops, and trees in Pirijpur village within minutes. Around 10-12 families were left homeless. Crops including Boro paddy, maize, and tomatoes were damaged, though no casualties were reported. Floodwaters also submerged paddy fields in Risikul, Pakri, and Godagari union areas.
Local residents like Teblu from Pirijpur said, "Our houses were destroyed in minutes by the storm. We are now living under open skies with our belongings."
Godagari Upazila Assistant Agriculture Officer Robiul Islam said, minor damages occurred to paddy and tomato plants, but the crop may recover once the soil dries. However, farmers still face delayed yields.
In Tanore, hundreds of fish ponds have overflowed, many mud houses collapsed, and winter vegetables were damaged. Tanore UNO Naima Khan confirmed, "We have received reports of damaged houses, submerged paddy fields, and fish pond losses. The administration will provide support to the poor and helpless families."
Bagmara and surrounding areas also suffered from Cyclone Montha's heavy rains. Low-lying fields with Aman paddy, onions, mustard, and vegetables were submerged, affecting hundreds of farmers. The unexpected rainfall disrupted planting schedules, damaged stored hay, and destroyed crops awaiting harvest. Bagmara Upazila Agriculture Officer Abdur Razzak said, "Although some farmers had hoped for a good harvest, heavy rains have caused widespread losses."
The recent extreme weather has left thousands of farmers in Rajshahi distraught, as their seasonal investments and hopes for a bountiful Aman harvest lie destroyed in waterlogged fields.
