Unseasonal rainfall on 1 and 2 November caused extensive damage to vegetable production areas in four districts of the Rajshahi region, with the Department of Agricultural Extension reporting losses across more than 19,500 hectares of farmland. The total loss has been estimated at Tk 1.31 billion (US$11.2 million).
Vegetable fields were inundated in Rajshahi, Naogaon, Natore, and Chapainawabganj, with 108 hectares completely destroyed and 434 hectares partially damaged. Garlic, onion, and potato fields were also affected, with waterlogging delaying land preparation for the winter vegetable cycle. DAE officials said 42,899 farmers had been directly impacted.
Growers reported that many low-lying plots remained flooded days after the rainfall. In several upazilas, fields were still too wet for tilling or planting, and some harvested vegetables were left soaked at field edges. Farmers noted delays to potato planting and early winter vegetable sowing, with some saying entire areas may remain uncultivated if fields do not dry in time.
Officials indicated that recurring rain in mid-November could further hinder winter crop establishment, while confirmation of support for affected growers has not yet been announced.
Source: The Financial Express
