Prolonged heavy rainfall has devastated crops across four districts under Khulna Division, affecting more than 8,000 farmers and causing an estimated loss of Tk 4.50 crore, according to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).
Crops on around 386 hectares of land have been damaged in Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat and Narail, with green chili prices surging to Tk 240 per kilogram and several vegetables exceeding Tk 80 per kilogram in local markets.
Vendors said pointed gourd was selling for Tk 120 per kg, ridge gourd Tk 90, cucumber Tk 80, taro corm Tk 70, yardlong beans Tk 80, okra Tk 80, while green bananas cost Tk 40 per bunch of four. Consumers complained that despite farmers suffering heavy losses, they are not receiving fair prices, while retail prices continue to rise.
The Meteorological Office recorded 54.5mm of rainfall in Khulna, 40.41mm in Bagerhat, 41.82mm in Satkhira and 24.99mm in Narail in just four days between July 9 and July 12.
The DAE sources said excessive rainfall damaged crops in several upazilas, including Terokhada, Paikgachha, Dumuria, Batiaghata, Phultala, Dighalia, Dakope, Bagerhat Sadar, Fakirhat, Mollahat, Kachua, Morelganj, Shyamnagar, Chitalmari, Narail Sadar, Lohagara, Kalia and Satkhira Sadar.
Aus paddy, Aman seedbeds, watermelon, green chili, betel leaf, okra, Malabar spinach, ridge gourd, bitter gourd, eggplant and bitter melon were among the crops destroyed after prolonged waterlogging caused them to rot in the fields.
According to Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director of the DAE for the Khulna region, the four districts have brought 13,320 hectares of land under cultivation, of which 386 hectares were damaged. Bagerhat suffered the worst losses, with nearly 4,000 farmers, including marginal farmers, affected.
Heavy rainfall has also increased agricultural labour costs and raised transportation expenses for vegetables from Dumuria and Batiaghata by about 50%. Farmers have been forced to sell partially damaged produce, including eggplants and pointed gourds, at lower prices, while officials warned that winter vegetables such as beans, bottle gourds and tomatoes are likely to reach markets later than usual.
Deputy Director of the DAE Mohammad Arifur Rahman said Aman seedbeds, Aus paddy, summer vegetables and betel leaf plantations suffered extensive damage in Narail, with losses estimated at nearly Tk 2 crore, affecting 2,468 farmers.
Widespread waterlogging has inundated large areas of Satkhira municipality and surrounding communities, including Kamalnagar, Itagachha, Madhumallardangi, Baddipur Colony, Madhyakatia, Roichpur, Rajar Bagan and Old Satkhira, making cooking difficult in flooded homes, and disrupting transport.
Dr. Abul Kalam Babla, vice-president of the Satkhira Citizens' Rights Development Committee, called for canals to be dredged and deepened, unauthorized fish enclosures removed and fishing nets blocking waterways dismantled to reduce recurring waterlogging and improve drainage.