Large-scale removal of agricultural topsoil and rapid pond excavation have reduced cultivable land in Jhenaidah, with 890 hectares converted into ponds over the past two years to supply soil to 126 brick kilns, according to official data. Residents, environmental groups and farmers say weak enforcement and rising demand for brick-making soil are accelerating the loss of farmland, raising concerns over agricultural output and food security.
The Department of Agricultural Extension estimates the district has 150,235 hectares of cultivable land, but the fisheries department says pond area has expanded sharply, indicating a steady decline in farmland. Locals say topsoil is being cut and sold daily, while ponds are dug without proper approval, often ignoring land use regulations and farmland protection laws.
Field visits to several areas show excavators operating in crop fields and trucks carrying soil to nearby brick kilns. In Jugni village along the Hatgopalpur-Hatfazilpur road, soil was being cut from a double-crop field on Thursday night. Local resident Russell Joardar has been removing soil from his 1.03-acre plot and transporting it to kilns in Shailkupa and Sadar upazilas, villagers said, adding the activity has continued for several days. In nearby Kumirdah village, another trader, Shariful Islam, has piled soil beside the road after cutting it from farmland.
In Porabetai village under Ganna union, pond excavation was under way in a field on Thursday afternoon, with soil being sent to Pal Bricks in Ganna bazar. On Monday night, at a place known as Five Mile on the Jhenaidah-Dhaka highway, a man named Rokon from Aryakandi village was seen using two excavators to cut soil and sell it to two brick kilns. Similar activity has been reported in Ghorshal and Fursundi unions, as well as in Shailkupa municipality, where soil from farmland is being transported to kilns.
Residents say they have informed local authorities about these activities but allege there is little immediate response. They claim soil traders are often alerted before officials arrive, allowing operations to continue.
Police say their role is limited. Officer-in-Charge of Shailkupa Police Station Humayun Kabir Molla said officers do not act independently against soil cutting. “We assist in operations when instructed by the upazila or district administration. Therefore, allegations against the police are baseless,” he said.
Data from the fisheries office show that the number of ponds increased from 27,148 in 2023, covering 5,745 hectares, to 28,559 in 2025, covering 6,635 hectares. Based on these figures, 890 hectares of cultivable land have been lost in two years. Environmentalists say the actual loss is higher, estimating nearly 3,000 hectares have been converted since 2023 due to housing, commercial construction and pond excavation.
Agricultural production has also faced pressure. The district agriculture office reported total food grain output of 933,900 metric tonnes in 2023-24. In 2025, heavy rainfall caused waterlogging in many fields, affecting crop production. Additional Deputy Director Md Anisuzzaman Khan said output in 2024-25 fell to 928,391 metric tonnes, down by 5,509 metric tonnes, adding that a clearer assessment would be available after the current Boro harvest.
District Fisheries Officer Abhijit Shil said pond excavation has increased fish production, with many farmers either cultivating fish themselves or leasing ponds to others. However, environmental groups say the gains come at the cost of long-term agricultural sustainability.
Jhenaidah Life and Nature Club coordinator Sheikh Selim said official figures do not fully reflect the situation. “In the past three years, at least 3,000 hectares of farmland have been lost due to housing, business establishments, factories and pond excavation. Selling topsoil reduces soil fertility, which could impact food security. Despite open sale of topsoil to brick kilns, the authorities remain inactive,” he said.
Sources said brick kilns have already begun collecting soil for next year, with agents persuading farmers to sell topsoil or allow pond digging. Liton Hossain of Rangiarpotha village said cultivation of rice, jute, maize and pulses has declined in areas where ponds have expanded.
Jhenaidah Citizen Forum president Mizanur Rahman said the district, known for vegetables, rice, banana and betel leaf, is losing farmland rapidly. “There are 126 brick kilns, and bricks made from agricultural soil are of better quality. So traders lure landowners into selling topsoil. Farmers often do not realise they are harming themselves for short-term gain. Only strict administrative action can protect farmland,” he said.
Deputy Director Md Kamruzzaman acknowledged the decline in farmland, citing population growth, housing demand and pond excavation, and warned that removing topsoil destroys soil fertility despite improvements in productivity through technology.
Deputy Commissioner Md Noman Hossain said the administration is taking action against irregularities through mobile courts and working to prevent illegal pond excavation. He said stronger coordination, including with the Department of Environment, is needed, adding that public awareness and community participation are essential to curb the practice.
