Sherpur Correspondent

Kalabaisakhi storm has caused extensive damage to maize crops in Jhenaigati. Hundreds of farmers are in trouble.

It is learnt that on last Saturday afternoon, 'Kal Baisakhi' storm and Sheela rain blew over the upazila. In this storm which lasted for about an hour, the corn fields in all the 7 unions of the upazila were washed away and mixed with the ground. This caused irreparable damage to the corn farmers. As a result, more than half a hundred farmers are in dire straits.

According to the sources of Upazila Agriculture Extension Directorate, maize is cultivated in about 200 hectares of land in the current season. More than 200 farmers grow corn. Cultivation has been good as the weather has been favourable. More than 200 farmers are hopeful because corn cultivation is more profitable than rice cultivation. But at the beginning of the season, the dream of more than half a hundred farmers has been taken away by Baisakhi.

According to the calculations of the Directorate of Agricultural Extension, the loss of maize fields of 20 hectares is shown, but the private amount will be double.

During the field investigation, senior farmers above 70 of Nalkura Union Bhaluka village, Md. Syed Zaman, Matiur Rahman, Sahid Mia of Dakshin Deflai village, Md. Ruhul Amin, Abdul Mannan, Alamgir Hossain, Yusuf Ali, Chmir Uddin, Khorshed Alam, Abu Bakkar Bakul, Babul Mia, Saju Mia, Zainal, Malek, Rahmat Ali, Umar Ali, Solaiman, Alamin, Javed Ali, Akram Hossain, Alam Mia and many others said that corn was cultivated on loan due to the arrival of more profit.

But their cornfields have turned into lumps and mixed with the ground due to the rain of Baisakhi. Due to the loss of the corn field, they are now at a loss as to how to support their families including their sons and daughters.

Confirming the matter, Upazila Agriculture Officer Humayun Dildar said that a list of victims has been prepared and sent to the concerned directorate. Agricultural incentives will be given to the affected farmers in Aush cultivation.