FROM PAGE B1

“Even after standing in line at the pump, fuel is not available. Diesel price has also increased. We were compelled to raise the machine rent,” he said.

“In a few more days, when the full season of rice and maize harvesting begins, pressure will increase further.”

Maize thresher operator Rafiqul Islam from Kurigram, another northern district, has started charging Tk 200 to Tk 300 more than last year.

More than four litres of fuel are needed to thresh maize grown on one bigha of land, he said.

“Diesel price has gone up. There are labour costs too. This is also resulting in arguments with farmers.”

Farmer Ranju Mia of Kharjani Char in Gaibandha sadar upazila cultivated maize on 12 bighas of land, investing Tk 250,000.

Due to fertiliser and fuel shortages, the yield has been poor this year. Again, because of the sudden rise in fuel prices, threshing and transportation costs have increased, he said, fearing losses.

“There is no electricity in the char area, and the soil does not retain water. Frequent irrigation is needed. The amount of paddy we will get will not even cover the expenses,” said Ruhul Amin, another grower from Rasulpur Char in the Fulchhari upazila.