46,000 hectors Aus land under great threat in Rajshahi

RAJSHAHI, June 14: More than 46,000 hectors of Aus land is under great threat as several hundreds of deep tube wells' electricity lines had been disconnected in the vast Barind track. It would cause hamper of the Aus paddy production around 1.7 metric ton, said Barendra Multiple Development Authority (BMDA).
The farmers were frustrated over the incident this year. Though they had paid electricity bills timely but Palli Bidyut Samity disconnected the lines, farmers alleged.
According to the information of BMDA, the farmers would not be able to achieve Bro production in the last year due to enough irrigation. As a result, the price of the paddy and rice are increased. Thought the farmers are trying to fulfill this lack producing this year but if they are unable to give irrigation in right time, the production would damage this year also.
There are 3,262 deep tube well for irrigation under Rajshahi and Natore district. A total of 1 lakh 80,486 hectors land paddy cultivation depend on the water produced from these deep tubes wells. Among those, 46,000 hectors of land are brought under Aus cultivation this year.
The farmers paid Palli Bidhut Tk 17 crore 56 lakh 28,672 till April timely. But around Tk 16 lakh of power-tractor's bills remain due. In this regard, BMDA Chairman sent a letter to Palli Bidhut to discuss the matter but they disconnected the electricity, BMDA sources added.
Talking to The Daily Observer, some farmers of Chandankothar village under Tanore upazila said that they are depending on the electricity of Palli Bidhut for irrigation water to cultivate their land. Meanwhile, they have started Aus cultivation but suddenly electricity line has been disconnected and they have become helpless. Besides, the vegetable farmers are also frustrated over showing this unwanted incident.
Rajshahi BMDA Tract Deputy Director Abdur Rashid said that both of the organisations serve people. The problem could be solved through discussion but suddenly the Palli Bidhut Authority disconnected the electricity line.
 Rajshahi Palli Bidhut Samity General Manager SM Mozammel Haque said that the authority have disconnected the electricity line as around Tk 16 lakh of power-tractor's bills remain due. Around 55 deep tube well lines are disconnected and this process continues to disconnect more 432 deep tube well lines, the MG added.