300-acre seedbeds, paddy fields submerged at Melandaha

JAMALPUR, July 23: Nearly 300 acres of seedbeds, early-season paddy and jute fields have been submerged due to water-logging in the Maite Beel of Melandaha Upazila in the district, leaving hundreds of farmers facing severe crop losses.

A visit to the Maite Beel in Shyampur Union No. 11 found that continuous heavy rainfall has inundated the low-lying wetland. Local farmers had previously installed drainage pipes at their own expense to allow excess water to flow downstream. However, water drainage has reportedly been blocked after a residential house was recently built over the outlet.

Affected farmers, including Nur Hossain, Akbar Ali and Md Surujjaman, said the beel is the area’s source of agricultural production, where paddy, jute, maize and various other crops are cultivated. This year’s heavy rainfall has filled the beel, and because the water cannot drain away, seedbeds and early-season paddy have gone underwater. Jute fields have also suffered damage.

The farmers said rainfall continues and the floodwater has yet to recede, creating uncertainty over whether any crops can be harvested this season. Nearly 300 acres of farmland remain submerged, and at least 500 farmers are expected to suffer direct losses. They urged the authorities to take immediate action to resolve the drainage problem.

Speaking by phone, Upazila Agriculture Officer Abdur Rouf said, “I have visited the waterlogged area. I have been informed that the drainage route is on privately owned land. Since houses have been constructed there, the water cannot flow out. I have asked the affected farmers to come forward, and we will try to resolve the issue with the support of the upazila administration and the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC).”

Repeated phone calls were made to Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Jinnatul Ara for comment, but she did not answer.