Non-farming sector ushers hope in peasants to survive

Ishwardi (Pabna) Correspondent :
Farming is becoming unprofitable day by day due to frequent natural calamities, rising cost of production and high labor wages. Still, the farmers are not leaving the profession. They say they have nowhere to go except their ancestral profession. That’s why they are unable to leave their jobs even if they are in financial debt. Although their profession is agriculture, their family is running on income from non-agricultural sector. Leaders of farmers’ organizations have demanded that farmers should be subsidized and fair prices should be ensured to sustain them. For this reason, agricultural experts are talking about establishing direct communication between consumers and producers.
According to farmers, now there is no way to save without non-agricultural income. Because they are not getting any profit from the land in cultivation. Many may have family businesses or have children abroad. Someone is doing a job. Only they are able to stay in a better condition. The rest are in trouble as they have no alternative income. Boro farmer Manowar Hossain of Aotapara of Ishwardi said that this time due to drought 20-50 percent additional irrigation has to be given. This has increased the cost of production. Even then the normal production of paddy cannot be maintained. Paddy production may be reduced by 15-25 percent. Production cost increased and yield decreased. No one thinks about increasing the price while selling paddy.
Raihan Khan, a farmer of Mirkamari village, said, “Even if there is damage, we have no way back.” We are not surviving on agriculture. Other working members of the family may drive a van, fish, live abroad or work. Despite loss from agriculture, income is coming from other sectors. So I survive. Now I could not survive on the income of agriculture with the cost of living.
Almas Ali, a farmer of Majhdia lamented and said, “The government gives so much allowance, but where is the farmer’s allowance?” Old age allowance, widow allowance, maternity allowance are mostly enjoyed by well-to-do people.