Farmers in Sunamganj, known as one of the country’s grain-producing hubs, are facing mounting difficulties harvesting Boro paddy due to diesel shortage and unfavorable field conditions.
Ongoing rainfall has left many fields waterlogged and muddy, restricting the movement of harvesting machinery. At the same time, inadequate fuel supply has made it difficult for operators to run combined harvesters and reaper machines, delaying the harvesting process.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Boro paddy has been cultivated on 223,511 hectares of land across the district this season. With crops ripening across most haor areas, farmers have rushed to harvest amid fears of flash floods and excessive rainfall. However, the fuel crisis has slowed down progress significantly.
Harvester owner Lilu Mia from Dekhar Haor in Shantiganj said operators are unable to secure sufficient diesel to run machines continuously. “We need large quantities of fuel to operate day and night, but supply is inconsistent,” he said, adding that even obtaining 100 liters requires official certification and often involves complications.
While diesel is available on the open market, it is being sold at higher prices. Meanwhile, waterlogged fields in low-lying areas have made it impossible for machines to operate, increasing the risk of crop damage.
There are over 1,000 combined harvesters and reaper machines across Sunamganj’s 12 upazilas. Each harvester can cut 60–70 bighas of paddy per day and requires 120–150 liters of fuel. Despite harvesting being underway, operators report they are not receiving adequate fuel to meet demand.
Field observations indicate that most paddy is either fully ripe or nearing maturity, but labor shortages persist. Farmers noted that although manual harvesting was once common during the month of Boishakh, mechanization has made them heavily dependent on harvesters.
As a result, farmers now face delays of 5–7 days to secure harvesting services, along with increased costs. Last year, harvesting cost Tk 1,700–1,800 per bigha. This year, it has risen by Tk 500–700.
Khalik Dewan, a farmer from Asthma village, said, “Even after agreeing to pay Tk 2,500 per kear, harvesters are not readily available. We have to book our turn a week in advance.”
Although authorities have set the official harvesting rate at Tk 1,900 per bigha, farmers report paying between Tk 2,300 and Tk 2,500 due to the fuel shortage. The rising costs, coupled with low market prices for paddy, have left farmers worried about profitability.
Farmer Selim Mia said production averages 15–18 maunds per bigha, while total costs reach around Tk 10,000. “With current market prices, there is little chance of making a profit,” he said, urging the government to keep fuel prices stable during the harvesting season.
Deputy Director of the DAE in Sunamganj, Mohammad Omar Faruk, acknowledged that harvesting has begun across most haor areas. He said steps have been taken to ensure fuel supply, including authorizing up to 100 liters of diesel per harvester per day through local administration. He also assured that further action would be taken if supply disruptions persist.