The global pandemic of coronavirus has started affecting Boro paddy harvest in the northern part of the country. Farmers in Dinajpur district are facing a hazardous situation regarding ripened Boro paddy in hundreds of acres of land in the district. They are suffering from the crisis of farm workers and harvesting machines. If the crops cannot be harvested within a time, they might get destroyed in sudden flooding.
Farmers and agricultural officials of the district have demanded urgent action in this regard from the government. About 12% of the total Boro paddy in the country comes from Dinajpur district. Farmers were not able to collect the Boro paddy in the last two years due to sudden flood. As a result several thousand families dependent on the crops became destitute. They took loan on high interest this year to cultivate.
If the farmers cannot harvest the crops, they will have no choice but to sell the land. Local farmers said that they used to pay all the harvesting expenses and repay the loan after harvesting and selling the crops. Now they are worried about the further decline in rice prices due to the corona virus.
If that happens, farmers will not be able to reduce the burden of debt this year. According to the Department of Agriculture Expansion, the largest part of the country's food supply is ensured through Boro paddy harvesting. The majo part of the stock in the government warehouse also depends on the Boro crop. This year the production target for Boro paddy has been set at two crore tones.
Usually from the first week of April harvesting of Boro paddy begins in the district. However, this year the harvesting did not start fully yet due to corona virus spread. This time, the target may be disrupted due to corona crisis. Afsar, a farmer of the birol village said he has cultivated about 2,000 mounds of Boro paddy this season. He said, he need 40 workers to cut all of his crops, but, he could only manage 12 workers so far.
Already, BR 28 rice has ripened, which will be destroyed if not harvested within next week. The remaining varieties of rice must be harvested within 10 days otherwise Haor areas will get flooded. So, farmers are unable to figure out what to do now.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Tk. 100 crore has been given from the Ministry of Finance to purchase agricultural equipment. They have already bought Reaper and Harvester machines, which are required in different upazilas of Dinajpur. They suspect that this time, farmers may be badly affected by the corona virus.
Dr Md. Abdul Muyeed, Director General of Agricultural Expansion Department said, rice cutting machines could be availed with 50 percent payment from the Department of Agriculture. However, if the worker crisis gets complicated, other measures will be taken informing the authorities. Agriculture Secretary Md. Nasiruzzaman said that the labour crisis might create a problem.
So we have provided extra harvesting equipment. Local administration has been directed to take necessary action so that workers coming to cut crops from other districts do not face any problems.
