Impact of flood in Noakhali : Seed prices up, waterlogging causes extensive damage to Aush padfy, Aman seedbeds
Md. Selim, Noakhali
Continuous rains and water coming from the Feni-Mahuri rivers have caused extensive damage to Aush paddy, Aman seedbeds, and summer and autumn vegetables in Noakhali.
Waterlogging in the fields has led to various diseases including root rot. Farmers say that this has increased the price of Aman paddy seeds in the market. Marginal farmers have faced huge losses.
On July 7, torrential rains began in the district. After that, 4 days of continuous rains caused severe waterlogging in 57 unions of six upazilas of the district. As a result, the fields of Aush and Aman paddy seedbeds are submerged under water. Farmers will face threat due to the submergence of the fields of Aush and Aman seedbeds. As a result, there is a possibility of damage to the fields of Aush and Aman seedbeds of the upazila.
Nazrul Islam, a farmer from Subarnachar, said that since all sides are submerged under water, it is not possible to find a high place to create new seedbeds. Many are renting high places to create seedbeds for Aman. But due to lack of capital, farmers are struggling to create new seedbeds. If the water does not recede quickly, the target of Aus and Aman cultivation will be disrupted.
Amir Hossain, a farmer from Companiganj, said, "Farmers are in a state of shock when they are faced with such a sudden disaster. As their vegetable fields are submerged in water, they are worried about paying off their loans. We need urgent help from the government to get back on our feet."
According to the District Agricultural Extension Department, a total of 5,199 hectares of crops in the district are under water. Of this, 891 hectares of Aman seedbeds, 2,500 hectares of Aush seedbeds, 1,200 hectares of summer vegetables, and 575 hectares of autumn vegetables are submerged.
According to district administration sources, 57 unions in six upazilas of the district are still under waterlogging. About 24,950 families are still under water. About 90,403 people have been affected. About 58 houses in different upazilas have been destroyed by waterlogging. Currently, there are about 1,023 people in 27 shelter centers. 29 medical teams are working in the field.
Deputy Director of the District Agricultural Extension Department Dr. Mira Rani Das said that the rate of seedbed and vegetable infestation is relatively high in Kabirhat, Subarnachar and Sadar upazilas. Compared to Senbag and Subarnachar, water is moving at a steady pace in Kabirhat upazila. The amount of damage will reduce when the water moves away. The officers and employees of the Agriculture Department are at the field level round the clock to protect the crops of the farmers. They are being given wise advice in this regard.
