SYLHET, Sept 15: Four back-to-back spells of flood within a span of only four months from late May have caused damage to standing crops valued Tk8,183.3 million (Tk818.33 crore) in Sylhet division.
Excessive rainfall and runoff from the upstream in Indian states of Meghalaya, Assam and Tripura triggered the latest bout of flooding in August.
The 4th phase of flood prevailing from August 26 to 30 shattered the poor and mid-level farmers' bids to recoup the losses incurred in the three preceding floods, officials and farmers said.
The latest flood took place when farmers in Moulvibazar were busy with last-time Aus harvest and transporting of Aman paddy saplings was in full swing.
Most of the farmers would not be able to do things anew while only some of them are trying to arrange Aman transplantation, said Abdul Bari of Hatim-nagar village in Golapganj upazila. Same was the view of some others in Habiganj.
Contacted, Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Sylhet divisional office, Md. Matiuz-zaman told this correspondent that repeated floods this year have damaged crops on a total of 54,921 hectares of land in four districts of Sylhet division while the loss stood at Tk8,183.3 million (Tk 818.33 crore).
The number of affected farmers was figured at 112,654 as the crops included aman seedbeds, transplanted Aman, Aus, summer vegetables etc. Seedbeds were even washed away in many upazilas.
Mr Matiuzzaman said some 10,800 flood-hit farmers in the division have been given free short-duration paddy seeds, fertiliers and Tk 1000 cash each in assistance. They will harvest paddy in 110 to 115 days.
Transplanting of Aman paddy is nearing end, the official added.
Senior DAE officials said that after full recession of floodwaters from many areas, farmers will start preparing lands for early varieties of winter crops including vegetables and others soon.
A detailed programme involving Tk2,670 million (Tk264 crore) has been prepared for this season, he added.
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