Irri-Boro faces setback in northern districts

Cracks have appeared in an Irri-Boro fields at Itakhola village in Nilphamari Sadar upazila for lake of water. PHOTO: STAR

In many areas, cracks have appeared on fields due to lack of water.

Farmers say they are facing an unusual situation like the one in 1979 when there was no rain for several months and no humidity in the air.

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Because of scorching heat and lack of rain, fields become dry within two-three days of irrigation whereas the same fields remained wet for seven-eight days after irrigation in previous years, they said.

The dry soil needs more irrigation now, which they can not afford because of high price of diesel and load shedding, farmers in many areas in Nilphamari told this correspondent.

Unlike in previous years, there was no rain in northern districts in October this year, they said. Showers in October increases moisture content in soil, which prevents it from becoming extremely dry and heated in summer, some experienced farmers said.

In previous years, January and February witnessed shower once or twice, but there was none so far this year, they said.

Besides, the dry spell also brings in pest attack on IRRI-Boro fields, they said.

Sources at the local meteorological office said day temperature in the area rises up to 35.5 degree Celsius since the beginning of this month. It will continue to soar if there is no rain, which is unlikely in a fortnight, they said.

There is no rain and the spy remains clear as the westerly cloud-carrying winds skip Bangladesh and go to Nepal and Bhutan, they said.

In previous years, nor'westers started from mid- February but there is no sigh yet this year, they said.

Buds of the different fruits bearing trees are also drying up in different areas of the northern districts.

Farmer Khairat Hossain in Kundu Pukur village in Nilphamari Sadar upazila said even a slight rainfall increases moisture in soil, which keeps irrigated lands wet for 10-15 days. But now the lands dry up in two-three days after irrigation.

Toyeb Ali of Monthana village in Kishoreganj upazila said his IRRI-Boro lands need frequent irrigation but he can not afford it due to high price of diesel.

Deputy Director of Nilphamari Agriculture Extension Department (AED) Sakhawat Hossain said Irri-Boro in northern districts will suffer a setback if there is no rain in two weeks.