Tk 30.35cr crop damage in Hatiya due to rain, tidal water

Crops worth Tk 30.35 crore were damaged in Hatiya upazila of Noakhali due to prolonged heavy rainfall and tidal water, according to the Department of Agricultural Extension.

Around 25,000 hectares of cropland and seedbeds in 11 unions of the upazila, including Hatiya municipality, have been inundated, affecting 38,564 farmers.

Hatiya Upazila Agriculture Officer Abdul Baset Sabuj said the damage was mainly caused by heavy rain and tidal water, with early vegetables and Rabi crops suffering extensive losses.

According to the local agriculture office, 21,520 hectares of Aus paddy, 1,920 hectares of Aman seedbeds, 950 hectares of seasonal vegetables, 58 hectares of fruit orchards, eight hectares of chilli and 10 hectares of betel-leaf gardens have been affected.

Hatiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer Russel Iqbal said vast areas of all 11 unions had been inundated by rain and tidal water. Around 24 kilometres of flood-control embankments are also at risk.He said the tide rose about three feet above normal, flooding low-lying areas and damaged sections of embankments and causing waterlogging.

The estimated financial loss stands at Tk 30,35,07,872, the official said, adding that a list of affected farmers had been sent to the Department of Agricultural Extension.

Mohammad Babulur Rahman, an observer at the Hatiya First-Class Weather Observatory, said 59mm of rainfall was recorded in the area in the 24 hours until Sunday. Although the warning signal at the river and seaports was withdrawn on Sunday, intermittent rainfall is continuing as the monsoon remains active. Rain may continue for another two to three days before the situation improves, he said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agricultural Extension has sought an allocation to assist the affected farmers.

Ashik Kumar Kar, deputy director of the department, said a letter had been sent seeking funds and assistance would be distributed among affected farmers once the allocation was received. Humayun Kabir Bablu, chairman of Nalchira Union Parishad, said the entire union had been inundated, leaving hundreds of families waterlogged.

He called for the urgent construction of a permanent embankment to protect the island.