Floodwaters Wash Away Farmers' Hopes in Baniachang

Flooding caused by days of heavy rain and breaches in the Khoai River embankment has damaged 40 hectares of Aus paddy and 3.5 hectares of vegetable fields in Baniachang upazila of Habiganj, washing farmers' hopes for a good harvest.

According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, the worst-hit areas are Makrampur, Sujatpur, Mandari, and Pailarkandi unions in the southern part of Baniachang. Crops have also sustained damage in the upazila headquarters and several other areas.

Residents said farmers had already suffered heavy losses from flash floods during the previous Boro season. Hoping to recover, many planted Aus paddy this season. However, days of heavy rainfall and upstream floodwaters caused breaches in the Khoai River embankment, triggering fresh flooding. As a result, Aus paddy fields and vegetable farms in the haor region have gone underwater, leaving farmers facing another round of losses.

Mokhlish Mia, a vegetable farmer from Nandipara village in the upazila headquarters, said waterlogging had inundated his fields, causing vegetable plants to rot at the roots.

Another vegetable farmer, Abdur Rouf of Inatkhani village, described a similar ordeal, saying he would now have to borrow money to support his family.

Humayun Kabir, a resident of Kumri village in Pailarkandi Union and member secretary of the Habiganj District Muktijoddha Sangsad, said farmers had failed to harvest their Boro crops last season due to natural disasters. The latest flood damage has dealt them yet another devastating blow. He urged the government to allocate special financial assistance for the affected farmers in Baniachang.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Enamul Haque said excessive rainfall and flooding had damaged Aus paddy on 40 hectares and vegetables on 3.5 hectares across the upazila. A report has already been sent to the higher authorities. If assistance is allocated, a list of affected farmers will be prepared and aid will be distributed accordingly.