Sirajganj farmers face seddlings, fertiliser crises
With recession of flood water, there are signs of devastation all around but farmers are in fields with new hopes to grow Amon paddy and early winter vegetables. Sirajganj was the worst affected district with most areas of its nine upazilas reeling under waters from Mighty Jamauna this year.
According to district agriculture officials' estimate, at least Tk 72 crore crops including paddy, jute, sugarcane and vegetables on 47,407 hectares were damaged by flood.
Sources in Agriculture Extension Department (AED) said there are 56,124 hectares of cultivable land in 81 unions in nine upazilas of the district. The flood damaged crops on 22,762 hectares fully and 24,645 hectares partially, affecting about 230000 families.
With recession of flood water, AED with assistance of district administration and Army has taken a post flood rehabilitation programme. Under the programme, the government has sanctioned Tk 4 crore and Tk 2 crore of it has been made available to assist farmers in cultivation of rice and vegetables, AED sources said.
This correspondent visited different areas of the district, where farmers said they face crisis Amon seedlings and fertilizer, which hamper cultivation. They are collecting seedlings from far away places at high prices as the seedbeds had gone under flood water.
Adul Kader of Tarash said that he sowed Amon seeds on one and half bigha of land. All reeled under water. He has purchased seedlings at Tk 300 per 80 bundles which were sold at between Tk 70 and Tk 80 last year.
AED officials said they have set a target to bring 50220 hectares under Amon cultivation.
Many farmers said they are transplanting Amon seedlings for the second time in about a month as the first transplantation was damaged by flood.
Some farmers said they have borrowed from local moneylenders to cultivate crops after flood.
All of them said they now need smooth supply of fertiliser.
A hiogh official of the district administration seeking anonymity said the government allotment of Tk 2 crore is too inadequate to the needs.
AED Deputy Director Khandaker Hasibur Rahman said they are preparing lists of affected farmers who will get the assistance.
He said about 89,033 tonnes of urea fertiliser are needed for the district this season but they have a stock of about 3755.50 tonnes.
Army sources said they have also started seedlings distribution among affected farmers. As a part of the programme, Bogra Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Emadul Huq (PSC) distributed seedlings among farmers at Ghurka Beltola on 25 August. Brig. Gen. A K M Mahfuzul Huq (PSC) also distributed seedlings at Raiganj on 29 August.
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