Continuous heavy rains and flash floods have caused approximately Tk11 crore worth of damage to vegetables in Mymensingh district, leading to a rise in prices due to reduced supply in the local markets.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension in Mymensingh, around 350 hectares of vegetable fields have been destroyed by the floods, with a total estimated market value of Tk10.74 crore.
The worst-affected upazilas include Dhobaura (30 hectares), Haluaghat (25 hectares), Fulbaria (75 hectares), Gafargaon (50 hectares), Muktagacha (40 hectares), and Mymensingh sadar (50 hectares).
Kamal Hossain, a farmer from Koichapur in Fulbaria, said that his entire crop of eggplants, beans, and bitter gourd was ruined after floodwaters lingered in his field for days, causing the vegetables to rot.
He shared his financial concerns, stating that he had spent over Tk50,000 to cultivate one acre of land, including Tk40,000 in bank loans, which he now has no means of repaying.
Similarly, Salam, a farmer from Gosgaon in Dhobaura, reported that all the vegetable gardens in his area were destroyed. With water still not fully drained from the fields, there is no time left for replanting.
He expressed concern about how farmers, already struggling, would make a living without government aid.
Motaleb, a farmer from Boror Char in Mymensingh sadar, said that the prolonged presence of floodwaters had caused severe damage to crops, with even higher land areas yielding little.
He added that due to the extensive damage, the high vegetable prices in the market are unlikely to decrease anytime soon.
Dr Nasrin Akhter Banu, the Deputy Director of the District Agricultural Extension Department, said that they have assessed the damage and forwarded the details to higher authorities.
Once government assistance arrives, it will be distributed among the affected farmers, she added.
