Kumarkhali:Around 1,250 hectares of cultivable land in Kumarkhali upazila of Kushtia remain waterlogged for seven to eight months every year, causing an estimated annual loss of Tk 35 crore in potential agricultural production.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the upazila, surrounded by the Padma, Gorai, Kaliganga, and Dakua rivers, has about 18,240 hectares of cultivable land. Farmers are only able to grow crops on the waterlogged land once a year during the Boro season, producing approximately 6,225 tonnes of paddy.
If the waterlogging issue is resolved, the land could yield an additional 10,000 tonnes of paddy and other crops during the Aman and Aus seasons, with an estimated market value of Tk 35 crore. Agricultural officials and local farmers suggest that food production could further increase with the introduction of modern farming methods and high-yielding crop varieties.
Farmers have expressed concerns over the lack of a proper drainage system, despite the presence of numerous irrigation canals under the Ganges-Kobadak (G-K) Irrigation Project, managed by the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB). Many canals have remained neglected for years, with some filled in for construction and others blocked by dams for fish farming. Consequently, land that could potentially produce crops three times a year remains submerged, severely impacting agriculture.
Locals have resorted to fish farming by digging ponds, as repeated crop cultivation losses persist. Poor maintenance has left many canals unable to drain water effectively, exacerbating the issue. Farmers like Rabiul Islam and Majed Ali have shared their frustrations, citing increased costs and reduced yields due to stagnant water and weed coverage.
According to local Department of Agricultural Extension office, the waterlogged land impacts agricultural production and challenges meeting the upazila's food production targets. The area of waterlogged land has increased from 510 hectares in 2024 to the current 1,250 hectares, attributed to rising rainfall.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Monir Hossain noted that the waterlogging issue has been communicated to local and higher authorities. Proposals for excavating two canals in Kumarkhali have been submitted under the government's ongoing canal excavation project, as stated by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Raisul Islam. The excavation work is expected to partially alleviate the problem, with further initiatives planned following discussions with local representatives and relevant organizations.