Human-made crises are now being compounded by hostile natural forces. This dual crisis is having a severe negative impact on agriculture in Bangladesh, a country heavily dependent on farming. The ongoing tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States have triggered a global fuel crisis, disrupting irrigation during the current Boro season. At the same time, climate change has altered the natural rhythm of the Bengali month of Chaitra. Breaking from past patterns, nature has appeared in three contrasting forms simultaneously. As a result, rural areas are experiencing nighttime fog, urban regions are facing heatwaves, and both rural and urban areas are witnessing abnormal rainfall. This threefold assault of nature has created deep uncertainty in agriculture.
Traditionally, Chaitra is a critical transitional period in the agricultural calendar. It marks the end of Rabi crops, the beginning of the Kharif season, and the most crucial time for Boro rice cultivation. During this month, one can usually observe fields of rippling paddy, golden wheat, rows of maize, and lush green vegetables. However, this year presents a stark contrast. While the northern regions-known as the country's grain basket-are blanketed in dense morning fog, the southwestern regions are scorched by extreme heat. Meanwhile, sudden storms and continuous rainfall are submerging Boro crops in the haor wetlands. Agricultural experts attribute this erratic behavior to climate change. The consequences are severe: increased plant diseases, reduced crop yields, and significant agricultural losses.
In the northern district of Panchagarh, the mornings of Chaitra have brought unexpected scenes. From dawn until late morning, dense fog covers vast areas, including Tetulia. Vehicles are forced to use headlights even during daylight hours. Fields, farmlands, and tree leaves are coated with tiny droplets of dew. According to climate experts, this unusual fog-often referred to as vapor fog-is caused by excessive humidity, a reduced difference between day and night temperatures, and sudden rainfall.
A report published in a national daily noted that on April 10 at 9 a.m., the temperature in Panchagarh was 19.7°C, with humidity at 99 percent. Fog was also observed in the area on the previous Saturday. Similarly, Thakurgaon experienced fog reminiscent of the winter month of Poush. While light fog was seen on Thursday and Friday, Saturday brought much denser conditions. Over the past week, minimum temperatures in these regions have ranged from 18 to 22°C, while maximum temperatures fluctuated between 25 and 28°C, accompanied by intermittent rainfall. Many locals expressed surprise at waking up to surroundings completely covered in white fog. Elderly residents recalled a traditional belief: fog in Chaitra often signals floods in Baishakh. Environmental scientists, however, emphasize that these anomalies are clear indicators of climate change.
Chaitra is typically known for intense heat, yet this year, winter-like conditions persist. Such dense fog at this time of year was previously unheard of. Vapor fog forms when atmospheric moisture is high and the temperature difference between day and night is minimal, causing rapid condensation of water vapor. Additional factors such as southerly winds, active seasonal airflow, sudden rainfall, and prolonged cloud cover also contribute to these conditions.
In stark contrast to the north, the southwestern regions are experiencing severe heatwaves. Districts like Chuadanga and Rajshahi have recorded temperatures between 38°C and 40°C. Under such intense heat, it has become extremely difficult for agricultural laborers to work in the fields. Working hours are being reduced, and crop production is being disrupted. In some areas, even road surfaces are softening due to extreme heat.
On April 10, Chuadanga recorded a maximum temperature of 38.5°C with humidity at 34 percent. The previous day, the temperature peaked at 39.7°C, making it the highest in the country. Agricultural scientists warn that such heat is particularly harmful during the flowering stage of rice. According to Dr. Kamruzzaman, a senior scientist at the Rice Research Institute, temperatures above 35°C can cause rice grains to become sterile. To mitigate damage, fields must retain sufficient water. Ideally, rice requires daytime temperatures below 35°C and nighttime temperatures below 26°C for optimal production.
Amid these two contrasting extremes, agriculture faces another alarming challenge: abnormal rainfall. During this Chaitra, rainfall has occurred almost daily in different parts of the country. March recorded significantly higher-than-average precipitation. This uneven distribution-excess rainfall in northern and northeastern regions and comparatively less in southern areas-has complicated agricultural management.
Meteorological data shows that in previous years, rainfall in Chaitra ranged from four to eight days. However, this year, 12 out of the first 20 days of Chaitra have already seen rain. The national average rainfall for March is typically 47 millimeters, but this year it reached 62 millimeters-31 percent higher than usual. In Dhaka, rainfall was recorded at 68 millimeters, about 46 percent above average. Sylhet experienced 240 millimeters, exceeding normal levels by over 110 percent. Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Mymensingh also recorded significantly higher rainfall, with some areas experiencing more than double or even triple the usual levels. Conversely, Chattogram, Khulna, and Barishal divisions saw below-average rainfall. Meanwhile, the average temperature in March was slightly above normal by 0.3°C.
Between March 12 and 19, storms and heavy rains affected 19,614 farmers across 16 districts in Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, approximately 2,131 hectares of cropland were damaged, resulting in losses worth around 833.9 million taka. Potato farmers suffered the most, with 916 hectares of crops destroyed. Other losses included bananas, vegetables, maize, wheat, sunflower, onion seeds, and chili.
In the haor regions, the situation is equally dire. Continuous rainfall submerged at least 2,000 hectares of crops in Sunamganj. In Moulvibazar's Hakaluki Haor, heavy rain and upstream flash floods inundated about 100 bighas of nearly mature Boro rice. Looking ahead, the forecast for April offers little relief. Multiple heatwaves, thunderstorms, and Nor'westers are expected throughout the month. June is also predicted to experience three to four severe heatwaves and six to eight mild to moderate ones.
In this challenging context, protecting agriculture from climate-induced adversities requires new strategies, advanced technologies, and effective adaptation measures. Timely irrigation and drainage, the selection of resilient crop varieties, and decision-making based on early weather forecasts are essential. Only through such efforts can crops be protected and farmers sustained.
The writer is Editor, Climate Journal24.com and General Secretary, Bangladesh Climate Change Journalist Forum
