Five farmers in Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat have alleged that toxic chemicals were sprayed on their seven-acre watermelon fields, causing an estimated loss of Tk 3 million. The affected farmers filed a written complaint at the Dahagram Police Investigation Center after discovering the damage. The incident occurred in Sardarpara area of Dahagram union, where the farmers had cultivated hybrid ‘Madhuri’ watermelons on land along the Teesta River.

According to the farmers, they had invested Tk 1.4–1.5 million in fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs over three months, expecting to earn Tk 3–3.5 million from the harvest. They suspect the act was driven by a land dispute with a neighbor, Abdul Mannan, and his son, who allegedly sprayed herbicide at night. Abdul Mannan denied the allegation. Local agricultural officials inspected the damaged fields on March 1 and confirmed extensive losses.

The upazila agriculture officer advised irrigation and fertilizer use to try to save the remaining plants and said assistance under agricultural incentive programs would be considered. Police stated that legal action would follow after investigation.