The famers in Sunamganj haor region are facing an escalating risk of crop loss due to continuous rainfall, upstream water inflow, and a severe shortage of harvest workers during the peak Boro season.
Persistent rains and hilly downpours have raised water levels in rivers and created widespread waterlogging in low-lying fields. Experts warn that continued rainfall could increase pressure on embankments protecting haor crops, heightening the risk of flash floods.
Earlier this month, heavy rain submerged croplands, while hailstorms damaged standing paddy. Farmers are now struggling to harvest and dry their crops as fields remain waterlogged and skies overcast. Lightning has further disrupted harvesting activities, reducing the availability of laborers and pushing daily wages up to around Tk 1,200.
Water levels in key rivers—including the Sumeshwari, Jadukata, Monai, Khasiamara, Chela, and Piain—have surged due to upstream flow, intensifying fears among farmers.
“We cannot use machines in flooded land, and hiring workers has become too expensive,” said Sitesh Das, a farmer from Dharmapasha. “Even harvested paddy cannot be dried due to continuous rain.”
Other farmers report similar distress, saying both standing and harvested crops are at risk. Many describe this Boishakh as one of the most challenging in recent years, following a series of weather shocks from hailstorms to prolonged rainfall.
According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board, rising water levels in major rivers of the haor basin could trigger flash floods. Although the Surma River is still below the danger level, officials warn the situation could deteriorate if rainfall continues.
Authorities have advised farmers to harvest at least 80 per cent of ripe paddy as a precaution. However, labor shortages remain a major obstacle, as harvesting is ongoing across multiple haor districts.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast moderate rainfall in Meghalaya between April 27 and May 1, which may further increase downstream water flow into Sunamganj. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department has warned of thunderstorms and ‘Kalbaisakhi’ activity, with 60–160 mm of rainfall expected between April 28 and May 2.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Minhazur Rahman said the administration is working to support farmers by ensuring fuel supply for harvesting machines and coordinating efforts to bring in additional labor.
Despite these measures, uncertainty continues to loom over the haor region as farmers race against worsening weather to save their crops.