Agriculture Office seeks help in harvesting Boro paddy in Shantiganj

The Upazila Agriculture Office has urged institutions and community groups to help harvest Boro paddy in Shantiganj Upazila of Sunamganj. An official letter has been issued in this regard.

Shantiganj, surrounded by haors, depends largely on Boro cultivation. This season, farmers cultivated paddy on a large area of land. However, recent heavy rains have caused waterlogging in many fields, delaying harvest.

Officials warn that delays could damage crops and deepen farmers’ hardship. A joint effort is now needed to harvest paddy quickly and bring it home.

The Agriculture Office has called on political parties, voluntary groups, cultural organizations, educational institutions, youth groups and local residents to support harvesting on a voluntary basis.

According to the Upazila Agriculture Extension Department, Boro was cultivated on about 22,000 hectares this year. Of this, 455 hectares have been fully submerged due to recent rains.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Ahsan Habib said a total of 22,612 hectares—both haor and non-haor land—were under Boro cultivation. Of the 18,381 hectares in haor areas, about 10,425 hectares (57 percent) have been harvested.

Non-haor areas face less risk. Of 4,241 hectares there, only about 10 percent has been harvested so far.

He said the district administration has asked voluntary and political organizations to help farmers overcome the labor shortage. “We must address this crisis together,” he said, noting that members of the Ansar force have already helped harvest paddy in Jamalganj.

“With collective effort, we hope to bring home the Baisakhi harvest in time,” he added.