Widespread flooding caused by persistent monsoon rains has submerged nearly 72,000 hectares of farmland across 21 districts in Bangladesh, raising concerns over crop damage, food security, and the livelihoods of thousands of rural farmers. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the affected farmland includes critical seasonal crops such as transplanted aman paddy, vegetables, and jute. Districts in the northern, northeastern, and central regions—particularly Kurigram, Sylhet, Sunamganj, Gaibandha, and Jamalpur—are among the hardest hit. The flooding began following continuous rainfall over the past two weeks and rising river levels, which breached embankments and inundated low-lying farmlands. While the full extent of damage is still being assessed, agricultural officers are already working on plans to support affected farmers with replanting materials and recovery assistance. Farmers in the flood-hit zones say they had just completed sowing aman rice, which is now submerged. The damage to early-stage paddy is particularly concerning, as this crop plays a key role in the country’s rice production during the monsoon season. Many smallholders also lost vegetable plots and seedlings, setting back their growing schedules. Despite the scale of the damage, authorities are optimistic about the recovery process. The Ministry of Agriculture has instructed local offices to distribute seed and fertilizer aid once waters recede. Emergency response teams are also preparing to deploy mobile agricultural support units to help with soil treatment and pest control in flooded areas. Officials say that around 80 percent of the submerged crops may still recover if the water recedes within a few days. However, longer-lasting floods could result in total crop loss in some areas, particularly for short-cycle vegetables and early jute fields. In addition to crop loss, farmers are facing disruptions in irrigation, market access, and daily income. Local governments are coordinating relief efforts to provide food, safe drinking water, and temporary shelter to those displaced by the floods. The incident has renewed discussions on climate-resilient farming and infrastructure. Experts emphasize the importance of promoting flood-tolerant crop varieties, improving drainage systems, and developing early warning systems to help farmers respond more quickly to extreme weather events. Bangladesh’s agriculture sector, which employs nearly half of the population, remains vulnerable to climate-related shocks. This latest flood highlights the urgent need for long-term investment in adaptation strategies to ensure food security and protect rural livelihoods in the face of a changing climate.
