Rajshahi: The Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) has introduced a new hotline service designed to improve irrigation services for farmers by addressing existing issues. BMDA, which is the largest state-owned irrigation provider, is currently operating 16,715 deep-tube-wells to irrigate approximately 3.30 lakh hectares of land across 16 districts in the Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions during the ongoing Boro season.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, BMDA Chairman Dr. Muhammad Asaduzzaman stated that the hotline, available at 01336-426330, allows over 10 lakh farmers to report irrigation-related complaints. To ensure swift resolution of these issues, six district-based committees have been established, integrating relevant officials.
Dr. Asaduzzaman highlighted that the extension of irrigation services, along with infrastructural developments, has led to an additional 12.35 lakh tonnes of crop production annually in the region. Jahangir Alam Khan, BMDA's Additional Chief Engineer, noted that irrigation water is supplied to around 10.36 lakh hectares of land, benefiting approximately 10.62 lakh farmers during the current Rabi season. He added that 15,828 deep tube-wells have been installed throughout the 16 districts in Rajshahi and Rangpur.
In addition to the installation of tube-wells, BMDA has constructed over 15,895 kilometers of irrigation water distribution systems, 650 dug-wells, and both electricity and solar-powered low lift pumps. Jahangir Khan further detailed efforts to alleviate water logging on 13,057 hectares of land, re-excavate 4,257 kilometers of derelict canals, and construct 778 cross-dams, alongside the installation of pontoons in rivers to enhance the irrigation system.
Solar-powered dug-wells in regions such as Raktadaha Beel, Tepa Beel, and Chhatragachha Beel have been instrumental in expanding irrigation. BMDA has also built overhead tanks near deep tube-wells to supply drinking water to 1,592 remote households and planted 2.58 crore trees to reduce carbon emissions in the drought-prone Barind area.
The authority has provided training to around 1.49 lakh farmers to improve their crop production capabilities. Jahangir Khan emphasized the importance of promoting surface water irrigation, particularly in the Barind area, to reduce the reliance on underground water resources.
Local farmers, like Ataur Rahman from Dewpara village, have benefitted from these initiatives, witnessing a significant increase in crop yields due to improved irrigation. Similarly, Muhammad Abdullah from Tantoi village reported benefits from the installation of deep-tube-wells and solar-powered pumps, which have enhanced the cultivation of various crops and orchards.