In Dirai upazila of Sunamganj, heavy rainfall has submerged 600 hectares of ripe paddy fields during the current harvesting season. According to the Upazila Agriculture Extension Department, the total cultivated area in the region is 30,178 hectares, with 16,738 hectares currently under standing crops. On Tuesday, the area recorded 30 millimeters of rainfall, which led to waterlogging in many fields.
Farmers reported that the excessive rain caused water accumulation in the fields before the paddy had fully matured, preventing harvesting machines from entering the waterlogged areas. Additionally, a shortage of laborers has made it difficult for farmers to harvest the ripe paddy in time. A farmer from Bharam Haor in Sarmangal Union expressed distress, saying most of his land is underwater and that drying harvested paddy has become impossible due to lack of sunlight and drying space.
The situation has raised concerns about potential crop losses and food insecurity among local farmers if the water does not recede soon.