The National Citizen’s Party (NCP) has called for immediate state intervention as continuous rain, upstream flow and sudden flooding disrupt Boro harvesting in the haor regions of Netrokona and Sunamganj.
Farmers in many areas are struggling to protect ripened paddy while stranded in waterlogged conditions, the party said in a statement.
Harvesting has begun in some areas but is not progressing at a normal pace, while large portions of mature paddy have already gone under water.
The party said the situation has been worsened by a labour shortage, limited availability of modern agricultural machinery and weak crop protection embankments.
It warned that farmers’ year-long efforts and their main crop are under severe threat due to adverse weather and management gaps.
In light of the crisis, the NCP has placed a four-point demand before the government to mitigate the impact on the agricultural sector:
It called for immediate supply of adequate combine harvesters and necessary labour support in haor areas.
It urged a special incentive package and fair compensation for affected farmers.
It demanded rapid repair and strengthening of crop protection embankments along with effective water drainage systems.
It also called for swift launch of the government’s paddy procurement programme to ensure fair prices for farmers.
The party said farmers in haor areas are a key pillar of national food security.
It warned that delays in timely and effective measures could have far-reaching negative impacts on the national food system and the economy.
The NCP expressed hope that the government will take prompt steps to protect crops and livelihoods of affected farmers.
