JAYDUL ISLAM, Netrakona

Untimely heavy rains and runoff from upstream hills have submerged more than 500 hectares of Boro paddy in Netrakona’s haor and low-lying areas, raising fears of significant crop losses.

The waterlogging, triggered by several days of rainfall and inflow from upstream, has affected fields at a critical stage of grain formation, prompting farmers to scramble to save their crops by draining water manually and using irrigation pumps.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Netrokona, around 507 hectares of Boro fields have been submerged, while additional areas have been partially affected. A total of 1,85,448 hectares were brought under Boro cultivation in the district this season, including 41,070 hectares in haor areas.

“If the rain stops now, 50 percent of the submerged crops may be damaged. Continued rainfall could worsen the losses,” said Md Amirul Islam, deputy director of the DAE in the district.

In Kalmakanda upazila, about 480 hectares of cropland have been partially submerged, nearly half of which is fully underwater, said Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Saiful Islam.

He said 240 hectares in Kabir Beel, 160 hectares in Maguria Beel, and 80 hectares in Dulijuri Beel under Rongchhati union have gone underwater due to hill runoff and excessive rainfall.

Farmers alleged that poor drainage has compounded the crisis.

“Sudden rainfall and hill runoff have submerged all our crops. The beel’s drainage canal is clogged, so water cannot recede,” said Nurul Islam, a farmer from Jongolbari village, adding that locals are trying to excavate canals with their own funds.

In Khaliajuri upazila, around 15 hectares of land have been submerged, with at least one hectare already destroyed, said Upazila Agriculture Officer Rashedul Hasan, warning that up to 40 percent of the remaining crops could be damaged.

Locals in the area said about 30 hectares in Muldhair Beel have gone underwater, and voluntary efforts are underway to drain water.

“Excavating just one kilometre of canal could offer a permanent solution,” said Joy Sarkar, a college student from the area.

In Barhatta upazila, around 20 hectares of cropland in Rouha Beel have also been submerged, said Upazila Agriculture Officer Sharmin Sultana, adding that farmers are attempting to remove water on their own.

Officials said steps are being taken to address the situation.

“We have informed the district administration and are working with locals to ensure drainage. Canal excavation will be prioritised,” said Kalmakanda Upazila Nirbahi Officer S M Mikail Islam.

Deputy Commissioner Khandaker Mushfiqur Rahman said authorities are monitoring the situation and will take necessary measures in coordination with local administration and the agriculture department.

“This is a haor region where low-lying land is naturally prone to waterlogging. Cultivation in lower parts of beels has increased exposure to such risks,” he added.