Rajshahi, July 3 (V7N) — In Tanore Upazila of Rajshahi, continuous heavy rainfall since early Ashar (mid-June) has caused severe waterlogging in the paddy fields that were planted with T-Aman rice over the three-crop potato lands. As a result, many farmers are unable to harvest their ripe paddy on time, threatening their entire crop and livelihood.

A field visit to various areas including Mohar, Aradighi, Narayanpur, and Shukdebpur of Taland Union; Saranjai Union; Sadur Mor of Kamargaon Union; and Haripur fields revealed extensive damage to the mature paddy. The waterlogged fields have spawned small water lilies (locally called kochuripana), and “Kyatari” — a phenomenon where new shoots sprout from the base of the mature paddy stalks, leading to crop deterioration. Consequently, farmers are losing their ripe paddy as the grains fall off and rot in the flooded fields.

The farmers were supposed to harvest the potato fields’ paddy crop first and then transplant Ropa Aman seedlings. However, the continuous rain and waterlogging have delayed harvesting, thereby postponing the transplantation of the next rice crop. Many fields remain unharvested even though the paddy is fully ripe.

According to the farmers, those who harvested their paddy fields towards the end of Jaistha (mid-June) have escaped the worst effects. But those who waited for full maturity to maximize yield are now facing severe losses. The simultaneous ripening of paddy across large areas has made it impossible to cover harvesting with available machines, including combine harvesters.

Agricultural Data and Officials’ Statements

The Upazila Agriculture Office reports that this season approximately 13,385 hectares of land in Tanore were planted with potatoes. After harvesting the potatoes, farmers sowed T-Aman rice across these lands. Since the beginning of Ashar, continuous rainfall has resulted in widespread waterlogging.

The standing water has made it difficult for laborers to manually harvest and transport paddy from the fields. Some crops near roadsides are being harvested and bagged quickly using combine harvesters, after which traders transport the paddy by truck from roadside points.

Saifullah Ahmed, the Upazila Agriculture Officer, noted that in fields where paddy has not yet been harvested, the transplantation of Ropa Aman rice will likely be delayed, potentially impacting the next crop cycle.

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