Heavy rainfall has submerged 400 hectares of cropland in Bogra, affecting 4,961 farmers, according to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).
The district recorded 309mm of rainfall in the 10 days through July 13, compared with 395.3mm during the whole of July last year, reflecting the intensity of the ongoing monsoon.
DAE data show that crops have been cultivated on 33,253 hectares of land across the district, including 11,160 hectares of Aus paddy, 9,580 hectares of jute, 6,751 hectares of vegetables, 4,510 hectares of Aman seedbeds, 592 hectares of chilli and 660 hectares of maize.
Of the total cultivated area, 400 hectares have gone under water.
Sariakandi upazila has been the worst affected, with 168 hectares of cropland submerged, impacting 3,200 farmers.
Other affected upazilas include Shajahanpur, where 14 hectares of cropland belonging to 91 farmers have been submerged; Sonatala (38 hectares, 324 farmers); Dupchanchia (60 hectares, 470 farmers); Kahaloo (75 hectares, 491 farmers); and Adamdighi (45 hectares, 385 farmers).
The affected land includes 31 hectares of Aus paddy, 115 hectares of jute, 96 hectares of vegetables, 123 hectares of Aman seedbeds, 22 hectares of chilli and 13 hectares of other crops. Aman seedbeds have suffered the most, affecting 2,042 farmers.
No crop fields have been reported submerged in Bogra Sadar, Sherpur, Dhunat, Gabtoli, Shibganj and Nandigram upazilas.
Mahfuz Alam, additional deputy director of the DAE in Bogra, said reports received until July 12 confirmed crop inundation on 400 hectares of land.
"If the rainfall decreases, many of the affected crops can still be saved. However, if the rain continues, the number of affected farmers may increase," he said.
He added that the department has prepared a list of affected farmers. Although no government directive on assistance has been issued yet, affected farmers will be given priority under agricultural incentive programmes if support is announced.
