Khan Sujan, Srinagar (Munshiganj)

At the crack of dawn, a labour market comes to life at the Chawk Bazaar Bridge in Srinagar Upazila, Munshiganj.

Local farmers from different unions and villages, including the famous Arial Beel, have cultivated rice, potatoes, winter vegetables, and other seasonal crops on their agricultural lands. To ensure a good harvest, they are actively tending to their fields. Thousands of laborers earn their livelihood by selling their labor in open fields, contributing to this vast agricultural effort.

A bustling market for labor exchange has emerged in the area, with daily wages ranging from 650 to 750 BDT, including three meals. Before sunrise, hundreds of laborers gather at Srinagar Chawk Bazaar to offer their services, while local employers come in search of agricultural workers.For two to three hours, the Chawk Bazaar area remains abuzz with labor transactions.

Apart from Chawk Bazaar, similar labour markets can be found in Threedokan, Baraikhali, Hasara, Baraigaon, Kukutia, Bibandi, Tantar, Singpara, Birtara, and Solaghar, where workers sell their labor. However, wages may vary slightly depending on the area.

A field visit revealed that many agricultural lands in Arial Beel are still submerged in water. Farmers and workers are engaged in clearing water hyacinths and jungle debris from knee- to waist-deep water. As boro rice cultivation approaches, preparations are underway for land preparation. Most farmlands in the 14 unions of the upazila still have standing water, and labourers are working tirelessly to ensure a successful planting season.

Local farmers expressed concerns over slow water drainage from agricultural lands, attributing it to the recent continuous rainfall. They also pointed out unplanned filling and encroachments around canals, water bodies, and culverts, which are obstructing water drainage and raising fears of prolonged waterlogging.Farmers from Baraikhali, Madankhali, and Gadigat—areas near Arial Beel—mentioned that they are preparing seedbeds while also clearing their rice fields. Agricultural laborers are playing a crucial role in these activities.

Srinagar Upazila Agriculture Officer Mohsina Torun stated that farmers and laborers are actively working in the fields during the peak season of rice, potato, and seasonal vegetable cultivation.

As part of the agricultural incentive program, over 700 farmers have received free rice seeds, while 930 farmers have been provided with essential seeds and fertilizers for various seasonal crops.

Agricultural laborers are significantly contributing to crop production by providing their labor. The upazila has set cultivation targets for approximately 10,000 hectares of rice fields and 2,300 hectares of potato fields, with ongoing preparations for planting.