Poor drainage leaves Sherpur farmland water-logged

SHERPUR, BOGURA, Aug 6: Hundreds of acres of farmland in Sherpur Upazila of Bogura remain submerged during the monsoon due to inadequate drainage, prompting local farmers to demand the urgent re-excavation of a canal.
Residents say the canal, which stretches from Shubli Singair Beel through Adhabila to the Boalkandi Bridge in Khanpur Union, has not been re-excavated for years. As a result, rainwater cannot drain properly, leaving vast areas of cropland under water for prolonged periods.
The water-logging has prevented farmers from cultivating their land on time and has caused recurring financial losses, they said.
According to local farmers, the canal once served as the main drainage channel for excess rainwater. However, years of siltation and encroachment have severely reduced its capacity, leaving water trapped in the beel and surrounding agricultural fields after even moderate rainfall.
Shah Alam, a farmer from Shubli Village, said rainwater accumulates in his fields whenever it rains because there is no effective drainage system.
"Paddy, vegetables and other crops suffer extensive damage. Re-excavating the canal would greatly benefit farmers," he said.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Farzana Akter said poor drainage directly affects agricultural production.
"If the canal is re-excavated, water will recede more quickly and farmers will be able to cultivate their land on time," she said.
She added that if farmers submit a formal application to the agriculture office and the upazila administration, officials will conduct a field inspection and take necessary steps.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Saiduzzaman Himu said the administration would examine the residents' demand.
"We will assess the necessity of re-excavating the canal and coordinate with the relevant authorities to take appropriate action," he said.
Local residents expressed hope that restoring the canal would permanently ease the area's drainage problems, protect hundreds of acres of farmland from water-logging, increase agricultural output and improve farmers' livelihoods.