Flash floods and the turbulent Matamuhuri River have destroyed the seasonal hopes of hundreds of farmers in Alikadam upazila.
Days of torrential rain since 5 July caused the river to overflow, inundating at least 458 hectares of farmland in Alikadam Sadar, Chaikhyong, Nayapara and Kurukpata unions.
Aman and Aush paddy seedlings, along with brinjal, bitter gourd, snake gourd, okra, cucumber, chili and papaya, were wiped out. Farmers said millions invested in seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and labour have been lost.
Local farmer Kawsar Uddin Bappi reported his 10‑hectare papaya garden was destroyed. Having borrowed Tk2.8–3 million from banks and cooperatives, he now faces uncertainty over loan repayments.
Another farmer, Belal Uddin, said there is not a single vegetable left to harvest or sell. Nurul Abchar, breaking down in tears, urged the government to provide seeds and financial aid so he could return to farming.
Md Mizbah Uddin, president of Patta Khaiya Para Krishak Samabay Samiti Ltd, said 100–150 farmers in his society are now destitute. “Without government cooperation, it is nearly impossible for them to start farming again,” he said.
Alikadam Upazila Agriculture Extension Officer Md Sohel Rana confirmed the department is compiling a list of affected farmers to provide aid. He said incentives and vegetable seeds would be distributed through the Department of Agricultural Extension and the Bandarban Hill District Council.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Manjur Alam added that the administration is working to ensure loss assessments reach relevant government departments promptly.
For Alikadam’s farmers, swift implementation of these promises is critical as they struggle with debt and the future of their families.
