Md. Naeem Hasan Emon, Rajapur (Jhalakathi) 

 Although there is an allocation for the agricultural incentive program for the fiscal year 2024-25 in Rajapur upazila of Jhalakathi, it has been alleged that most of the marginal farmers have been deprived of it. 

The real farmers of Rajapur are extremely angry due to this irregularity and nepotism in agricultural incentives.

According to government data, in the current fiscal year, Ufshi Aman paddy seeds and fertilizer were allocated to 420 small and marginal farmers in Rajapur upazila, summer vegetable seeds to 120 people, lemon seedlings to 180 people, mango seedlings to 130 people, and coconut seedlings to 500 farmers and 120 institutions. In addition, palm seedlings were allocated to 64 farmer organizations and seedlings of various environmentally friendly fruit trees were allocated to 1,750 students.

Allocation on paper, lamentation on the field

There are complaints that the allocation announced by the Upazila Agriculture Office has not been implemented at the field level. Many marginal farmers say that they have not received any assistance despite visiting the Agriculture Office several times.

Marginal farmers Saidur Rahman, Kamal Hossain, Sohrab Hossain and Moksed Ali Howlader said, "Every year, we see on paper that the government is providing seeds, fertilizers and seedlings. But we don't get anything. When we go to the agriculture office, they don't tell us or it's out of quota."

They also said that in addition to Aman rice, they cultivate Rabi crops, vegetables, pulses, watermelons, gourds, etc. on 5-8 bighas of land. But the agriculture office never visits them nor does it show any interest in giving advice.

When asked about the matter, Rajapur Upazila Agriculture Officer Moosa. Shahida Sharmin Afroz refused to provide any video or verbal statement. Her silence and tendency to avoid the issue has made the situation more questionable.

Farmers are saying, "If the government is really giving these incentives to farmers, then where are we not getting them? Is it being divided down the middle, or are the politically influential taking it all?"

Local farmers complain that these incentives are being distributed to political figures and influential cronies, excluding the actual farmers. Some are taking the allocation without being farmers themselves. And those farmers who are regularly producing crops are facing losses due to lack of fertilizers and seeds.

Marginal farmers are seeking government intervention, saying, "We work hard day and night in the fields. But instead of getting what we deserve, a class of opportunists take it away. We want an investigation and trial of this corruption."

Meanwhile, local conscious circles believe that if complete transparency is not ensured in the preparation of lists, verification of beneficiaries, and monitoring of such agricultural incentive distribution, genuine farmers will never receive government assistance. This will not only defeat the government's objectives, but will also have a serious negative impact on the agricultural sector.