Diesel crisis in Chatmohar over boro production
Farmers are worried about Boro cultivation in Pabna’s famous grain-producing areas, including Chatmohar and Chalanbil, due to the lowering of groundwater levels and the ongoing diesel crisis.
At the same time, severe electricity load shedding is making the situation worse. It feels as if farmers are going to war while cultivating.
As the water level in Chatmohar has dropped significantly, sufficient water is not available even from deep tube wells. As a result, farmers have had to dig very deep wells and install pumps.
Although water is somewhat available, irrigation pumps are frequently being shut down due to a lack of diesel.
Farmers in this region are concerned about Boro paddy production as irrigation activities are disrupted by the diesel shortage.
Production costs are rising because farmers are forced to buy diesel from the open market at high prices. In addition to financial pressure, they are also worried about crop cultivation and potential yield losses.
Due to the fuel crisis, it has become difficult to keep irrigation pumps running. Farmers fear significant losses if irrigation is not ensured at this crucial stage of paddy emergence.
According to the Upazila Agricultural Extension Department, 9,200 hectares of land have been cultivated with Boro paddy in the current season. Water is being supplied through 1,126 diesel-powered irrigation pumps to 13,380 hectares of land, including Boro paddy, in the upazila. The daily demand for diesel is about 20,000 liters, but only 10,000 liters are supplied each week.
Upazila Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer Md. Saidur Rahman said that the Department of Agricultural Extension is monitoring the situation and trying to normalize diesel supply. He added that if this crisis continues, it will definitely affect Boro cultivation and expressed hope that the situation will improve soon.
Zulfikar Ali, a farmer from Boyailmari village, said that the cost of crop production has increased due to the diesel shortage. “Diesel has to be bought from outside at high prices. Paddy is now in a drought-like state, and in some fields, the ears are emerging. If irrigation is not provided now, the paddy will rot and the yield will decrease,” he said.
Another farmer, A. Matin, said, “Diesel was supplied to the pump last Saturday and again today, Tuesday. I have been standing in line since morning and do not know when I will get it.
I had to buy diesel from outside for the last two days at a rate of 140 taka per liter. Moreover, the water level is dropping. Many farmers are unable to irrigate because of the diesel shortage and lack of water even at a depth of 120 feet. As a result, production is at risk.”
Meanwhile, farmers are cleaning weeds from Boro paddy fields and spraying pesticides in various areas. The fields are now a vibrant green. If there is no load shedding or irrigation crisis, farmers are hopeful for a good harvest this season.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Kuntala Ghosh said the Agriculture Department is providing all kinds of advice and assistance to farmers and is making efforts to supply diesel according to demand.
