Adverse Weather Damages Ripe Aman Paddy, Hili Farmers in Distress

Farmers in Hakimpur (Hili) upazila of Dinajpur are now spending their days in deep anxiety. Continuous bad weather, heavy rainfall, and strong winds have caused ripe golden Aman paddy to collapse onto the ground. Thousands of farmers in the area have been severely affected. Watching their hard-earned crops being destroyed has left them frustrated and worried.

On a field visit, it was observed that strong winds and heavy rain have been continuing from morning till night for several days. As a result, the water level in paddy fields across the upazila has risen, and many crops have fallen flat on the ground.

Amirul Islam, a farmer from Boaldar Union No. 1, said, “Just when we started harvesting, the weather turned bad. The wind knocked down the paddy, and now it’s very difficult to cut and store. Labor costs will also increase, yet we can’t dry the paddy properly.”

Another farmer, Robiul Islam, said, “If the sun doesn’t appear soon, it will be impossible to dry the harvested paddy. If we store it wet, it will rot, lose color, and no one will buy it in the market.”

Farmer Shuvo said, “We depend on selling this season’s paddy to cover family expenses and repay our loans. But this weather threatens to shatter that hope. If we fail to harvest on time, we’ll be burdened with more debt.” He added, “This year the yield was good, but sudden rain and wind are destroying the crops. Low-lying areas have been the worst affected.”

Hakimpur Upazila Agriculture Officer Arjena Begum said that recent rains and storms have damaged Aman paddy in several areas of the upazila. Field-level officers are inspecting the affected lands and advising farmers on ways to minimize their losses.

Farmers fear that if the weather continues to worsen for a few more days, the quality of the paddy will deteriorate, and they won’t get a fair price in the market. Now, all they hope for is clear skies and sunlight because the outcome of their year-long hard work and their family’s livelihood depends on it.

khaborwala/TSN