SUNAMGANJ, Apr 2: A severe shortage of farm labourers and extensive water-logging have caused widespread damage to Boro paddy in the haor areas of Sunamganj, leaving farmers in distress during the peak harvesting season.
Although May Day is being observed, there is little celebration among farmers, as vast stretches of ripe Boro fields remain submerged under water due to heavy rainfall and upstream hill runoff.
The situation has worsened to such an extent that many farmers are unable to harvest their crops on time.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), over 500 government-subsidised combine harvesters are available in the district.
However, due to waterlogged fields and muddy rural roads, these machines cannot be operated in most areas.
At the same time, continuous rainfall and fear of lightning since April 21 have discouraged labourers from entering the fields. Many are unwilling to wade into waist-deep water to cut paddy.
As a result, farmers are now trying to harvest crops manually with family members, but in limited areas only.
Large portions of ripe paddy are reportedly remaining unharvested in submerged fields.
Official estimates suggest that more than 13,000 hectares of farmland have already been damaged.
However, unofficial sources claim the affected area could exceed 60,000 hectares. Leaders of the Haor Bachao Andolon say farmers may not be able to harvest even 30 per cent of their total crop this season.
In many areas, including Dekhar Haor and Pagnar Haor, harvested paddy is also being damaged before threshing, as rainwater has caused it to sprout and rot in the fields. Small farmers are now facing severe financial pressure as loans taken for cultivation remain unpaid.
Farmers say the cost of Boro cultivation per bigha was significantly high this year, and crop loss has made it impossible to recover even the production cost. Many are now worried about how to repay debts.
The DAE in Sunamganj said harvesting operations are ongoing whenever weather conditions allow. However, officials warned that unless the labour shortage is addressed urgently, the scale of damage could increase further.
Farmers have urged immediate support measures, including deployment of labour teams and improved access for harvesting machines, to minimise losses in the flood-prone haor belt.
