Farmers demand solution as irrigation pump lies inoperative in Gaibandha's Saghata

GAIBANDHA, Oct 27: Farmers of the Abdullah village in Gaibandha's Saghata Upazila demanded a solution as an irrigation pump designated for at least a hundred bighas of land have been remaining out of order for about two years.

Growers say that due to the inoperability of the pump, they have to bear extra costs to use other irrigation pumps while the yield is not as expected. They demanded that either the irrigation pump be repaired, or a new one is installed in its place.

The irrigation pump's manager Abdul Momin said that due to the construction of houses on all sides, the water delivery pipe of the irrigation pump has been damaged and the water line has been blocked. He said that he has written to the Barendra Multipurpose Authority to take necessary measures in this regard.

Many locals, including farmers Nurunbi, Mostafizur and Habibur, complain that a few years ago, the irrigation pump used to get shut down occasionally, reducing the yield of the land.

Saghata Upazila Barendra Multipurpose Development Authority Assistant Engineer (with additional responsibility) Mozaffar Hossain said, "The deep irrigation pump did not belong to our department. BADC handed it over to us."

Saghata Upazila Irrigation Committee Member Secretary and Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) Gaibandha District Assistant Engineer Golam Rabbani said he will investigate the matter and take action."

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