Continuous heavy to very heavy rainfall across Bangladesh has led to temporary waterlogging in vast areas, submerging a total of 72,076 hectares of cropland in 21 districts. The inundation has severely affected Aus paddy, Aman seedbeds, jute, vegetables, fruit orchards, betel leaf farms, and other seasonal crops.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the worst-affected districts include Cumilla, Chandpur, Brahmanbaria, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Noakhali, Feni, Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Barishal, Pirojpur, Patuakhali, Barguna, and Bhola. Among these, Cumilla, Noakhali, and Feni are facing the most critical situations due to intense rainfall and inadequate drainage systems.
On Thursday, the Ministry released a detailed report on crop damage. The data shows the following breakdown of affected crops (in hectares):
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Aus paddy: 4,662
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Aman seedbeds: 14,393
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Vegetables: 9,673
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Broadcast Aman: 297
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Jute: 135
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Banana: 114
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Papaya: 293
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Betel leaf: 387
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Chili: 104
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Summer watermelon: 281
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Total affected area: 72,076 hectares
In Cumilla alone, 11,590 hectares of Aus paddy, Aman seedbeds, vegetables, and chili fields have gone underwater. Noakhali and Feni have reported 7,806 and 1,655 hectares of submerged farmland, respectively.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, monsoon activity remains strong, and rainfall is likely to continue for the next few days. However, there is currently no forecast of widespread flooding.
The temporary waterlogging has put Aman seedbeds at the greatest risk. If water remains stagnant for an extended period, the seedbeds will be destroyed, requiring replanting. This will disrupt the crop cycle and affect production.
Md. Azizul Haque, a farmer from Subarnachar in Noakhali, said, “My Aman seedbeds and vegetable fields are completely submerged. If the water doesn't recede within the next day or two, everything will be lost.”
Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Md. Shaiful Alam, stated that the water is slowly receding as rainfall decreases. Field officers across the affected districts have already begun assessing damage and advising farmers. “Once the assessment is complete, we will initiate rehabilitation programs and distribute seeds to help the affected farmers recover,” he said.
