Dr. Mihir Kumar Roy: The haor (wetland) region plays a crucial role in Bangladesh’s food security. A significant portion of the country’s rice production comes from this area, particularly during the Boro season. Every year in April-May, when the rice in the haors begins to ripen, smiles light up the faces of farmers. However, these smiles often fade due to nature’s unpredictability.
This year, while some areas like Kishoreganj have seen bumper harvests with timely rice collection, most haors in Greater Sylhet, Sunamganj, and Netrokona still have unripe crops. Meanwhile, warnings of heavy rainfall and flash floods from upstream, issued by the Meteorological Department and the Water Development Board, have sparked fear among farmers.
On one hand, there’s the threat of waterlogging and embankment breaches; on the other, a shortage of agricultural labor and lightning strikes. Combined, these challenges have left haor farmers in distress. In a region where only one crop is grown annually, this rice is their sole source of income for the year. If the crop is lost, their lives plunge into severe crisis.
At the government level, some initiatives have been taken to support farmers, such as supplying combined harvesters for quick rice cutting, canceling leaves to ensure field-level administrative oversight, and advising farmers to harvest early. These efforts are commendable. However, the reality is that not all farmers’ rice has ripened, making it impossible for them to harvest unripe crops.
Overcoming this crisis requires timely and coordinated measures. Emergency planning based on weather forecasts, strengthening embankment repairs and monitoring, special programs to address the labor shortage, and providing low-interest loans to farmers are essential. Additionally, greater emphasis on agricultural mechanization is needed to reduce such risks in the coming years.
No matter how hostile nature may be this year, the courage and labor of haor farmers must be honored. Their struggle must not go in vain. This calls for collective efforts from the state, administration, and the public. The rice of the haors is not just food; it is a part of our economy, culture, and soul. Thus, the fight to save this rice is not just the farmers’—it is the entire nation’s.
We hope that, despite all adversities, the farmers of the haors will successfully bring their golden harvest home, and Bangladesh will continue its progress in rice production. Let this be our collective commitment.
Author: Professor (Economics), Former Director, BARD (Comilla), Former Dean (Faculty of Business Administration) and Syndicate Member, City University, Dhaka