Boro joy turns bitter as Sapahar muddy road traps farmers

SAPAHAR, NAOGAON, June 5: Farmers in Kolmudanga and Boldiaghat villages under Patari Union in Sapahar Upazila of Naogaon are facing severe difficulties in transporting harvested paddy due to the poor condition of a key rural road.

The dirt road connecting Chakchoki and Satbila fields-used as the only route for carrying paddy from surrounding croplands-has developed multiple potholes. Rainwater has accumulated in these depressions, turning the stretch into a muddy and water-logged pathway.

As a result, transporting paddy using power tillers and tractors has become highly risky and costly for farmers.

Farmer Sirajul Islam said transportation costs have doubled, while frequent rainfall has also caused sprouting in harvested paddy, increasing post-harvest losses.

Farmers said the situation has worsened during the peak Boro harvesting season, when thousands of farmers across the country are busy bringing crops home.

A field visit to Kolmudanga and Boldiaghat showed the deteriorated condition of the road, which runs between Chakchoki and Satbila fields. Numerous potholes along the stretch have made movement difficult, with transport vehicles frequently overturning.

Farmers said the damage is causing significant post-harvest losses, as paddy left in the fields is also rotting due to delays in transportation.

Farmer Sadikul said labour costs have nearly doubled, yet workers are still difficult to find on time, further increasing financial pressure on cultivators.

Attempts to contact Patari Union Parishad Chairman Jahangir Alam were unsuccessful as he was not available at his office.

Ward member Tarekul Islam said the immediate solution lies in emergency allocation to fill the potholes with brick chips or sand to make the road temporarily usable, followed by a permanent development project.

Locals have urged the Member of Parliament for Sapahar-Patniwala constituency, Md Mostafizur Rahman, to intervene urgently for repairing the road and easing farmers' suffering.