TALTOLI, BARGUNA, June 2: Boro paddy in several areas of Taltoli Upazila in Barguna has been severely damaged as harvested crops began germinating in the fields due to continuous rainfall and water-logging.
Farmers said their expected golden harvest has turned into green seedlings after paddy was left uncollected in the fields or stacked in bundles following unseasonal rain and a prolonged wet spell.
A recent visit to different villages of the upazila showed sprouted paddy covering large stretches of farmland. In many places, cut paddy lying in heaps or bent stalks in the field had started germinating inside the grain heads. From a distance, the fields appeared green like grass, but farmers said the situation reflects a total crop loss.
Due to repeated spells of heavy rain, many farmers could not harvest their crops on time. Labour shortages and lack of access to harvesting machines further delayed the process. In several cases, even harvested paddy left in the field was affected by moisture.
Farmers said the damage has not only destroyed their seasonal income but also pushed them into financial uncertainty.
Farmer Shahidul Islam said he had taken loans from NGOs and invested heavily in cultivation. "I worked day and night in the fields hoping to support my family after harvest. But now the paddy has turned into green shoots. I don't know how I will recover this loss," he said.
Another farmer, Abul Hasan, said the situation has left them in debt and distress. "This crop was everything for us. Now it is all ruined before we could bring it home," he said.
Local farmers said sprouting has reduced the quality of the grain, making it unsuitable for normal market prices. They fear they will not be able to recover production costs, leaving them in deeper debt ahead of the next farming season.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Abu Zafar Mohammad Ilyas said excess rainfall and waterlogging caused the paddy to germinate in many fields. He said data is being collected from affected areas and farmers are being advised accordingly.
Agricultural experts said prolonged exposure to moisture after maturity leads to germination inside the grain heads, severely affecting quality and market value. They warned that such incidents are becoming more frequent due to climate change and poor drainage conditions in coastal areas.
Locals have urged the authorities to assess the damage and provide support to affected farmers, including relief assistance and input support for the next cropping season.
