Farmers in Nilphamari district are facing heavy financial losses as the market price of Irri rice has dropped sharply despite a bumper Boro harvest this season. Rising costs of fertilizer, irrigation, seeds, pesticides, and labor have increased production expenses, but rice prices have fallen to Tk 700–750 per maund from around Tk 1,000 a week earlier. Many farmers are being forced to sell at low prices to meet household needs and repay debts.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, Boro rice was cultivated on 81,859 hectares in Nilphamari with a production target of 374,901 metric tons, and about 15 percent of the crop has already been harvested. Officials said favorable weather and low pest attacks contributed to good yields. However, the oversupply of rice and the delayed start of government procurement have allowed middlemen to buy at low prices, depriving farmers of fair returns.

Agricultural officials expect the situation to improve once government procurement begins. Farmers have urged authorities to ensure fair prices, accelerate procurement, and control input costs to prevent future declines in food production.