The agricultural landscape of Chapainawabganj is undergoing a significant transformation, as areas once left barren due to water scarcity are turning green. This change has been driven by the rubber dam project built on the Mahananda River, which has expanded irrigation opportunities even during the dry season.
Farmers say the project has revitalized agriculture in the region. Previously, they relied heavily on deep tube wells and diesel-powered pumps for irrigation, which increased production costs. In many cases, insufficient water forced them to leave land uncultivated.
Now, with water retained in the river by the rubber dam, irrigation has become more accessible and affordable. This has led to lower costs and higher crop yields.
Gopal Chowdhury, a farmer from Jadupur village in Baliyadanga Union of Sadar Upazila, said, “We used to struggle a lot for water. This time, I could easily irrigate using river water, and the cost was also lower.”
Rahmat Ali, a farmer from the Nayagola area, shared a similar experience: “We used to face a water crisis as soon as the dry season arrived. Now irrigation is easy. Costs are down, yields are good—this is a huge relief for us.”
Farmers report that improved irrigation security has not only increased crop production but also brought more land under cultivation. Previously fallow land is now being actively farmed.
Local residents also note broader benefits beyond agriculture. The retention of water in the river during the dry season has contributed to a modest rise in groundwater levels. As a result, access to water from tube wells has improved, easing the drinking water crisis in nearby communities.
“Earlier, we couldn’t get water from tube wells in summer. The situation is much better now,” said a local resident.
Officials highlight the wide-reaching impact of the project. SM Ahsan Habib, Executive Engineer of the Chapainawabganj Water Development Board, said the benefits of the dam extend across approximately 70 kilometers of farmland, boosting production while reducing irrigation costs. According to the District Agriculture Department, around 7,000 hectares of new land have been brought under cultivation due to the project.
The Mahananda Rubber Dam project began on November 11, 2021, with an estimated cost of Tk 270.69 crore. Although some work remains, it is expected to be completed by June this year.
Despite its success, experts stress the importance of careful river flow management to ensure that downstream areas are not deprived of water. They also recommend ongoing environmental assessments and integrated irrigation planning to sustain long-term benefits.
While the project has created new agricultural potential in Chapainawabganj, analysts emphasize that its full success will depend on equitable water distribution and effective management practices.