'Kalbaishakhi ' storms in Gaibandha : Half-ripen paddy being harvested, labour cost surge Tk 5,000 per bigha, farmers in trouble
Sarkar Shahadat Hossain, Gaibandha
Although the Boro paddy harvesting season in Gaibandha has not fully begun, farmers have already started cutting some early-ripened paddy.
However, over the past week, 'Kalbaishakhi ' storms, light rain, and cooler weather have caused significant damage, with large areas of half-ripe paddy flattened to the ground. As a result, farmers are struggling to harvest and bring in their crops before they are fully mature.
Field observations across different parts of the district show that strong winds have pushed semi-ripe paddy down onto the soil. Under normal conditions, these crops would have matured fully within the next 10 to 15 days. But due to the storm damage, farmers are now forced to harvest early to prevent the crops from rotting.
This situation has driven up harvesting costs. Due to an acute labor shortage, agricultural workers are unwilling to cut paddy for less than Tk 5,000 per bigha. Cutting flattened, half-ripe paddy requires extra effort, which has led laborers to demand higher wages.
Labourers said, “Harvesting paddy that has fallen to the ground is extremely difficult. On top of that, the weather remains unpredictable—storms, rain, and lightning can strike at any time. There is always a risk involved, so we have to charge more for this work.”
Meanwhile, the recent Kalbaishakhi storms have not only damaged crops but also caused fatalities. In Sundarganj upazila, three members of the same family, and in Saghata upazila, two others were killed by lightning. These incidents have created fear among both farmers and laborers, discouraging many from working in the fields.
Farmers say Gaibandha has long been known as a monga-prone area. In search of better livelihoods, many local workers have migrated to cities like Dhaka to work in garment factories and other sectors. This seasonal migration has led to a severe shortage of agricultural labor during the crucial harvesting period.
Despite the challenges, many farmers are trying to cope by working in their own fields with family members. Some are even taking loans to hire laborers at higher wages.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), around 127,850 hectares of land in Gaibandha’s seven upazilas have been cultivated with Boro rice this season. While favorable weather could still ensure good yields, recent storms and the flattening of half-ripe paddy have increased concerns among farmers.
Overall, even before the peak harvesting season begins, Kalbaishakhi storms have pushed Gaibandha’s farmers into a difficult situation. With half-ripe paddy lying on the ground, the race to save the crops has begun—complicated further by labor shortages and rising costs.
