Fuel shortage threatens Boro harvest in haors

As the Boro paddy harvesting season approaches in the haor region of Kishoreganj, Sunamganj, Netrokona, Habiganj, and Brahmanbaria, farmers are increasingly worried about a possible diesel shortage. They say that although the fuel crisis eased somewhat during the irrigation season, new concerns have emerged regarding paddy harvesting, transportation, and threshing.

According to farmers, the entire process of paddy production in the haor areas is heavily fuel-dependent. Diesel is required at at least five stages-from harvesting and threshing to transportation and storage. Due to a shortage of labor, reliance on combine harvesters has increased, and these machines are entirely diesel-powered. In addition, pump machines, tractors, trolleys, and boats used in threshing and transport also depend on fuel.

Abdul Wadud, a farmer from the Baribari area of Itna haor upazila, said that he cultivated paddy on five acres of land this season. Due to labor shortages and high wages, he has had to depend on machinery.

However, he had to buy diesel at Tk 130 per litre, although the official price is Tk 103, significantly increasing production costs. He expressed concern that if the crisis continues during harvesting, farmers will face major losses. Farmer Abdul Hai and many other locals have voiced similar concerns.

At Chamta River Port in Kishoreganj, preparations are underway for the Boro season, with trawlers and bulkheads being repaired. Zakir Hossain, a trawler driver from Shalla upazila of Sunamganj, said, “Our main work during this season is transporting paddy. But if the diesel supply is inadequate, transportation will be disrupted. We urge the administration to ensure fuel supply and regulate the market.”