Tobacco cultivation has been completely stopped this year in the Manikchhari section of the Halda basin, according to a press release from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock issued on Monday. Last year, 11 farmers cultivated tobacco on about 20 acres in the area, but coordinated efforts by district and upazila administrations and the Department of Fisheries ensured full compliance with the government ban.

Experts cited excessive pesticide use and tobacco farming in the Halda basin as major causes of water pollution in the Halda River, the country’s only natural carp breeding ground and a declared fish heritage site. They expect the ban to have a positive impact on the conservation of fish resources and biodiversity. The ministry had amended the existing heritage gazette on November 5, 2025, officially prohibiting tobacco cultivation in the basin.

Following the decision, local authorities informed farmers about the government directive and advised them to avoid planting tobacco seedlings, which are usually sown in December and January. The Department of Agricultural Extension is now encouraging alternative crops such as mustard, maize, and vegetables. The ministry’s adviser Farida Akhter has instructed intensified monitoring to prevent any resumption of tobacco farming.