The overall flood situation in the haor wetlands of northeastern Bangladesh has shown slight signs of improvement due to no major rainfall in the regions.
However, the recent spell of relentless rainfall and upstream runoff has already inflicted severe damage on Boro rice fields, leaving more than 112,000 farmers in acute distress and causing losses exceeding Tk 500 crore in just two districts-Sunamganj and Kishoreganj-out of the seven affected districts.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), approximately 46,780 hectares of Boro farmland have been submerged across Sunamganj, Kishoreganj, Sylhet, Habiganj, Moulvibazar, Netrokona, and Brahmanbaria. Officials noted that the total extent of damage cannot yet be determined and will only be assessed after floodwaters recede.
Dr. Md. Abu Zafur Al Munsur, Deputy Director (Field Survey and Monitoring) at the DAE, said that about 71 percent of the crops in the haor region had already been harvested before the flooding began, while the remaining crops are now submerged. "Until the water recedes, it is not possible to determine how much of the remaining crops have been completely destroyed," he said.
Despite the inundation, many farmers managed to harvest part of their produce. Officials emphasized the urgent need for both government and private sector initiatives to procure these crops quickly, which could help mitigate farmers' financial losses.
