Boro Paddy Submerged as Upstream Water Hits Porsha

Continuous rain and upstream floodwaters have raised water levels in several beels of Nitpur area in Porsha upazila, Naogaon. As a result, large areas of Boro paddy fields have been submerged.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, about 5 hectares of paddy land are fully submerged, while 30 hectares are partially affected. However, local farmers say the actual affected area is much larger.

Farmers are in distress as they watch their nearly ripe crops go under water. Many are harvesting semi-ripe paddy in waist-deep water to avoid further losses and repay loans. Rising water levels have also increased harvesting costs, as laborers are needed for difficult field conditions.

In some areas, harvested paddy cannot be properly dried due to lack of sunlight, raising the risk of spoilage. Farmers fear heavy financial losses if the situation continues.

Local farmers including Mokchedul of Nitpur Gopalganj, Belal Hossain, Abu Taleb and Shahajahan of Bangal Para, Tofizul of Diyarapara, and Jahangir Alam said that water from upstream has entered through the Punarbhaba River earlier than usual this season. Normally, water arrives at the start of Joishtha, after harvest is completed. But this year, early flooding in Baishakh has damaged standing crops.

They added that water levels in the river have risen sharply in the last four days, submerging new areas. Most farmers cultivated Boro paddy using loans, expecting a good yield, but now face major losses.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Mamunur Rashid said that around 5 hectares are fully submerged and 30 hectares partially affected. He noted that rising upstream flow in the Punarbhaba River is increasing water levels in low-lying crop fields. He added that since 60–70 percent of the paddy is already mature, the overall production target may not be significantly affected. Farmers have been advised to harvest their crops quickly.