A worsening diesel shortage is disrupting agricultural activities in Sirajganj and Moulvibazar, raising fears of production losses during two crucial farming periods. Farmers say the crisis is affecting irrigation, harvesting, land preparation and transportation, putting both Boro and Aush cultivation at risk.
SIRAJGANJ: Farmers in Sirajganj are struggling to irrigate their Boro fields due to an acute shortage of diesel at the peak of the dry season. Despite visiting multiple filling stations, many are returning without fuel, while others are forced to buy at higher prices from local markets.
The crisis has affected lakhs of farmers in the district, where irrigation-dependent Boro cultivation relies heavily on diesel-powered pumps. Farmers said they often wait for hours at petrol pumps with containers, only to be turned away due to limited supply.
"I have cultivated Boro on five bighas of land," said Alamin Sarkar from Madhainagar area of Tarash upazila. "I need about five litres of diesel daily. Recently, I have been buying it at Tk 130 per litre. If I cannot irrigate properly, my production will fall and I will face losses."
Aminul Islam from Chandrakona Pashchim Para in Sadar upazila shared similar concerns. "I cultivated 10 bighas. The pumps are not getting enough fuel. At this stage, when the paddy is forming ears, a lack of water could be disastrous," he said.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Boro has been cultivated on 141,800 hectares in Sirajganj this season, with a production target of 616,947 metric tonnes.
Irrigation is supported by over 36,000 diesel-powered shallow pumps, along with deep tube-wells and low-lift pumps.
A.K.M. Manjure Maola, Deputy Director of the district DAE, said steps are being taken to manage the crisis. "We are coordinating with the administration to ensure fair fuel distribution.
Electricity supply to electric pumps is being prioritised, and a card-based system for diesel distribution is being introduced," he said.
Deputy Commissioner Md Aminul Islam said a monitoring committee has been formed to oversee the situation. "We will take action against anyone hoarding fuel or selling above the fixed price," he said.
MOULVIBAZAR: The diesel shortage is also severely affecting agricultural activities in Moulvibazar, especially in haor areas where Boro harvesting is underway and Aush cultivation is about to begin.
Farmers and agricultural stakeholders said the shortage has disrupted land preparation, irrigation, harvesting, threshing and transportation. Most agricultural machinery-such as tractors, harvesters and threshers-depend on diesel, which has become scarce in rural markets.
Local sources said fuel supply has declined in recent weeks, leaving many rural outlets without stock. Although some fuel is available in urban filling stations, farmers in remote areas are struggling to access it.
The shortage is already affecting Aush cultivation, as farmers are unable to prepare seedbeds or plough their land on time despite recent rainfall. At the same time, Boro harvesting in haor regions is being delayed due to a lack of fuel for machinery and transport.
According to DAE data, Aus cultivation has been targeted on 38,500 hectares in Moulvibazar, while Boro has been cultivated on 62,400 hectares. Around 54,000 farmers have received seeds and fertiliser to support Aus farming.
Harvester owner Syed Nazmul Hasan Mithu from Kamalganj said his machine remains idle due to the shortage. "Each machine needs 80 to 100 litres of diesel per day. Without fuel, we cannot operate," he said.
Farmer Almas Mia from Kauadighi haor in Rajnagar upazila said his paddy is ready for harvest but he cannot arrange labour or machines. "There is no fuel, no machines and no transport. We are in serious trouble," he said..
Deputy Director of Moulvibazar DAE Md Jalal Uddin said the issue has been raised with relevant authorities. "This is a critical time for both Boro harvesting and Aus cultivation. We are in discussions with fuel suppliers," he said.
