Unexpected rainfall has submerged potato fields in Bogura and Joypurhat districts, leaving farmers distressed and worried about crop losses.
BOGURA: In Bogura's Shibganj Upazila, the areas of Pirab and Otari experienced the most severe damage, with fields inundated and potatoes rotting in water-logged soil.
For many farmers, the combination of falling potato prices and the sudden floods has been devastating. Shibganj Upazila Agriculture Officer Abdul Mannan said the price drop left farmers in a state of confusion. Many farmers had postponed harvesting in hopes of higher market prices, but the rain has now ruined large portions of the crop.
Local farmer Solaiman described the losses: "Potatoes can normally be stored in the soil for long periods, and the ones harvested now would have gone to cold storage. But the sudden rainwater submerged the fields, destroying our yield. Had we sold the potatoes a week earlier, we could have recovered some income."
Authorities said farmers are working tirelessly to drain the water from their fields.
Traditional irrigation methods are proving insufficient, and the excess water is preventing the proper salvage of the crop. Experts noted that mechanical pumps, such as shallow machines, could have saved a portion of the harvest if deployed in time.
Farmers, often working with their families, are manually removing water and exposing potatoes to sunlight to reduce rot. In Pirab, the damage has been widespread. Heavy rains and strong winds have left farmers frustrated and uncertain about their economic future.
The potato varieties affected include local types like Gol Hagrai and Rumana, as well as Cardinal, Asterix, and Diamond. According to Abdul Matin, a local farmer, and Shibganj Agriculture Officer, yields ranged from 80 to 100 mon per bigha for these hybrid varieties.
Despite the rainfall, Bogura has seen a slight decline in cultivated area compared to the previous season, with about 5,000 fewer hectares under potato cultivation. However, bumper yields were recorded in the harvested fields. The Deputy Agriculture Officer of Bogura said potatoes were cultivated over 54,465 hectares this year, with a production target of 1.337 million metric tons. Last year, 60,500 hectares were under potato cultivation, producing 1.33756 million metric tons.
The combined effect of the sudden flood, strong winds, and falling market prices has placed immense pressure on northern farmers. Many are struggling to salvage what they can, while the loss threatens not only livelihoods but also local supply chains in the region.
Farmers and authorities alike have called for support measures, including access to mechanical pumps and better water management, to prevent similar crises in future seasons.
JOYPURHAT: Joypurhat experienced its first rainfall of the season on Thursday, lasting about two hours, inundating nearly 110 hectares of potato fields and other crops. The district, known as a top potato producer in the country, now faces localised crop water-logging due to the downpour.
Saddiq, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) in Joypurhat, told reporters that Joypurhat received 32.6 millimetres of rainfall Thursday morning, causing widespread water accumulation in low-lying farmlands.
Farmers expressed concern over potential losses. Mofazzal Hossain of Komorgram said that his three bighas of potato fields were submerged, raising fears of crop damage. Another farmer, Samsul, noted that with already low potato prices, the recent flooding could further increase losses, adding that he had cultivated four bighas this season.
Although potato harvesting was near completion in the district, water-logging has affected about 110 hectares. Agriculture department officials have advised farmers to drain the water from their fields as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.
Saddiq also noted that since the potatoes were already mature, the risk of significant loss is low. Farmers have been guided on proper drainage and crop management to minimize the impact of the heavy rainfall.
Joypurhat's agriculture officials continue to monitor the situation, ensuring that farmers receive technical support to protect their crops from seasonal weather fluctuations.
The sudden rainfall serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of crop production to early-season showers, even in high-yield districts.
Farmers remain hopeful that timely drainage and the near-mature stage of the potatoes will limit substantial losses and allow them to continue harvesting the crop in the coming days.
