We are concerned about the state of the farmers in Sunamganj where Boro cultivation has been delayed again this season due to waterlogging. Following damage of 56 sluice gates in 28 haors during the last floods, the area is still waterlogged, hampering preparation of seedbeds.

Heavy rain and hill water have damaged crops of around 1.66 lakh hectares, affecting around 3.26 lakh farmers. This is distressing enough, but the farmers anticipate the damage to be twice the government's estimates. A similar situation happened last year when crops were largely destroyed. The farmers face uncertainty again this year.

The area affected is a one-crop area where only Boro rice is cultivated. As of now, the farmers are preparing seedbeds on highlands, and cultivating alternative crops. The loss severely affects a large number of farmers whose livelihoods depend on crop cultivation. According to a recent report in The Daily Star, the water resources ministry has already allotted Tk 30 lakh for measures to drain out water quickly. We wonder what has happened to the the District Water Development Board's (WDB) demand of Tk. 1 crore to the ministry to repair the damaged sluice gates. The floods occurred a long time ago. Given the importance of the area to the local farmers the delay is inexplicable. 

We urge the government to prioritise ecological imbalance and climate change fallouts in its agro-economic policy. Corruption related to embankments should be severely punished and farmers should be equipped to fight flash floods and stagnant waters on croplands. We hope that the government takes serious measures to ensure that farmers do not have to suffer this way repeatedly.