4,500 hectares of Boro paddy submerged as upstream runoff hits Kishoreganj

Farmers are seen harvesting half-ripe paddy in waist-deep water to salvage what's left

Heavy rainfall and an onrush of water from upstream hilly areas have submerged vast stretches of Boro paddy fields in the Haor regions of Kishoreganj, leaving thousands of farmers in deep distress.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), nearly 4,500 hectares of cropland across Itna, Mithamoin, Ashtagram, and Nikli Upazilas have gone underwater over the last few days.

Farmers were seen harvesting half-ripe paddy in waist-deep water, desperate to save whatever remains of their main annual crop.

"I cultivated Boro on 1.6 hectares, and it’s all submerged now. I have no idea how I will feed my family for the rest of the year," said Ratan Mia, a farmer from Khasapur village in Mithamoin.

The crisis is compounded by a severe labour shortage.

Despite offering double the usual wages, farmers are struggling to find workers to harvest the waterlogged crops.

Muddy paths and continuous rain have also rendered combine harvesters ineffective, making transportation nearly impossible.

While the rain eased slightly on Thursday, river levels continue to swell due to the upstream flow.

The Water Development Board (WDB) has reported a significant rise in water levels at several key points over the last 24 hours. The Magra River at Chamraghat rose by 63 mm, while the Kalni River at Ashtagram increased by 69 mm.

The Meghna River at Bhairab Bazar, on the other hand, recorded a rise of 55 mm.

The Dhanu River and Baulai River at Itna also saw water levels go up by 49 mm.

Executive Engineer of the district WDB Md Sajjad Hossain warned of potential early flooding, though water levels currently remain below the danger mark.

Kishoreganj DAE Deputy Director Sadikur Rahman noted that Boro was cultivated on 168,360 hectares in the district this season, with over 104,000 hectares located within the Haor areas.

While the department confirmed that approximately 50 percent of the crops had already been harvested before the rains began, the remaining standing crops face total loss if the water does not recede quickly.

Local farmers reported that rivers including the Kushiyara, Ghorautra, and Dhaleshwari are overflowing directly into the Haor basins, submerging one field after another.