More than 800 acres of agricultural land at Salandar Farm under Thakurgaon Sugar Mill have remained submerged for nearly four months, causing extensive crop losses and pushing hundreds of farmers toward financial hardship.
Farmers say prolonged waterlogging has damaged sugarcane, potato, rice and other seasonal crops on around 814 acres of leased farmland, threatening both local livelihoods and a key source of agricultural seed production.
According to farm authorities, 33 farmers cultivated sugarcane on 239 acres this season, while another 581 acres were used for various rabi and kharif crops. Most of the affected cultivators are landless or low-income farmers who lease land from the government-owned farm through annual tenders.
Farmers estimate that sugarcane cultivation costs around Tk115,000 per acre, with many relying on loans from sugar mills and non-governmental organizations to finance production.
Lutfar Rahman, a leaseholder at the farm, said his entire sugarcane field had been ruined after remaining under water for months.
“I borrowed money to cultivate sugarcane, but the crop has rotted due to prolonged waterlogging. Now I do not know how I will repay the loans,” he said.
Many other farmers reported similar losses, saying potato fields, rice seedlings and other crops had also been destroyed.
Farmers and local residents blame the situation on a neglected drainage canal that once carried excess water from the farm to the Dhepa River. They allege that years of silt accumulation, weed growth and lack of maintenance have blocked the canal, preventing water from draining even after moderate rainfall.
“Previously, rainwater from the farm flowed into the Dhepa River through the canal. Since that connection was lost, even a small amount of rainfall causes extensive waterlogging,” said Jalal Uddin, a farmer from the Sotapir area.
Despite repeated appeals, affected farmers say no effective steps have been taken to resolve the problem.
Agricultural experts and local stakeholders warn that the impact extends beyond individual farmers. Salandar Farm supplies sugarcane to Thakurgaon Sugar Mill and produces foundation and certified seeds of crops including potato, rice, chilli and pulses for distribution across the country.
Abdul Mannan, an agriculturist and leaseholder, described the situation as a “man-made disaster”.
“Regular maintenance and re-excavation of the drainage canal could have prevented this crisis. Farmers informed the authorities long ago, but no effective action has been taken,” he said.
Farmers estimate that nearly 1,000 acres of surrounding farmland outside the farm area are also affected by waterlogging. They believe re-excavating the canal and restoring its connection to the Dhepa River could protect around 2,000 acres of fertile land and significantly increase agricultural output.
The affected farmers have submitted a memorandum to the district administration, demanding urgent excavation of the canal and immediate measures to resolve the long-standing waterlogging problem. They warn that without swift intervention, both the local sugar industry and the country's seed production network could face serious setbacks.
Former Managing Director of Thakurgaon Sugar Mill Shahjahan Kabir said the authorities are concerned about the waterlogging situation at Salandar Farm.
“We are concerned about the persistent waterlogging at Salandar Farm. Initiatives are being taken to renovate the drainage canal as quickly as possible in coordination with the Bangladesh Water Development Board and the district administration,” he said.
Acting Managing Director Saiful Islam said he had only recently assumed office.
“I have just taken charge. After reviewing the matter, I will discuss it with all relevant stakeholders and take the necessary steps,” he said.
