General Agri News

Farmers Struggle with Waterlogging and Salinity as Climate Change Worsens Agricultural Losses in Khulna Region.

Agriculture in the Khulna region, which includes Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, and Narail, is facing significant challenges due to the impacts of climate change. Unpredictable weather patterns, such as erratic rainfall, salinity, and waterlogging, have disrupted the cultivation of Aman paddy, leading to fears of reduced yields. As the month of Bhadro ends, many farmers are still unable to complete their Aman paddy planting.

 Heavy rains, combined with embankment breaches, have damaged many fields and nurseries, causing distress among the farming community. The delay in Aman rice planting has also raised concerns about the production of watermelon and other winter crops, which rely on timely Aman harvests.

Water drainage problems in the coastal regions, especially near the Sundarbans, are exacerbating these issues. Pollution and siltation in the canals, worsened by shrimp farming, block water flow and contribute to increased salinity. 

This further hampers agricultural activities and threatens food security. Many farmers are working tirelessly to replant damaged seedlings, while also sourcing seeds from other regions to cope with the loss. However, production costs have soared, as external seed sourcing has become necessary.

Climate change is also increasing the salinity in the region, which has had a direct impact on both the Aman and Boro rice crops. Farmers from areas like Rampal in Bagerhat and Koyra in Satkhira are facing reduced freshwater availability due to saline water intrusion, leaving them unable to irrigate their fields properly. 

In some cases, shrimp farming activities have blocked essential water channels, further contributing to waterlogging and crop damage. Despite these hardships, efforts are being made to address these issues. 

Officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) are promoting incentives and distributing seeds to help farmers recover, while recommending the construction and repair of sluice gates and dredging of canals to improve water management and protect crops.

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