Farmers in the haor areas of Kishoreganj, including Austagram, Itna, and Mithamain, are facing uncertainty over harvesting and transporting Boro rice due to a severe fuel shortage. The crisis, reported on April 10, 2026, stems from rising diesel prices influenced by international instability. Farmers fear that without timely fuel supply, harvesting and storage will be severely disrupted, increasing production costs and threatening the local agricultural economy.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, 67,230 hectares of land in the three upazilas have been cultivated with local, Ufshi, and hybrid rice varieties. About 70 percent of the harvest depends on combine harvesters, requiring an estimated 1.65 million liters of diesel. However, local traders report inadequate supply, forcing them to buy diesel at 8 to 10 taka above the official price. Farmers have urged the government to ensure adequate and affordable fuel distribution in the haor areas.

Officials said they have already informed higher authorities about the reduced fuel supply this year and requested measures to stabilize prices and maintain normal supply during the ongoing harvest season.