Prolonged rainfall and waterlogging have submerged vast areas of Boro paddy fields in Sunamganj’s haor region, leaving farmers burdened with debt. According to the agriculture department, around 20,000 hectares of Boro crops have been damaged, with small and marginal farmers suffering the most. Many had taken loans from NGOs, banks, and local lenders to cover the costs of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, and labor, but the crops were destroyed before harvest.

Farmers described their distress as they struggle to repay debts. Abdul Kaiyum from Dekhar Haor said he borrowed about two lakh taka for his 12-kiar land but lost all his paddy. Aibun Begum from Shangai Haor reported that rain prevented drying the harvested paddy, causing further losses. Another farmer, Nur Uddin, said lenders are pressuring for repayment while he faces mounting debt.

Mohammad Omar Faruk, deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Sunamganj, stated that a list of affected farmers is being prepared. Two government ministers have already launched a three-month assistance program, and all affected farmers will gradually receive support.