Use of combine harvesters rising in Sylhet region

SYLHET, Dec 11: Harvest of Aman paddy has got a momentum in the Sylhet region. The farmers in different upazilas have been in trouble in harvesting the crop as owners of combine harvesters demand high charge. Often they deny schedule or delay the schedule for charging higher rates.

With a view to wooing the farmers to mechanized cultivation, the government had sold combined harvesters and other equipment under 70 per cent subsidy programme. But syndication by the harvester owners has become an obstacle to that, said a number of farmers like Abdul Bari of Golapganj upazila.

Some farmers in Shayestaganj and Chunarughat of Habiganj claimed that they have to pay Tk 2000 and above for harvesting Aman paddy on one bigha of land whereas usually it is Tk 1200 to Tk 1600.

There is a shortage of seasonal workers during the harvesting period in all the districts. This is why the farmers are getting dependent on the mechanized harvest at places. On the other hand, it may be a serious problem in Sunamganj and other lower regions, where Boro harvest is going to be there after months.

Contacted, the Deputy Director, DAE, Sylhet divisional office Md Kazi Mojibur Rahman told this correspondent that farmers are now much interested in buying combine harvesters and other tools under subsidized programme.

A total of 741 combine harvesters were supplied only in 2021-2022. Among those 159 were supplied in Sylhet while it was 61 in Moulvibazar, 242 in Habiganj and highest 279 in Sunamganj district. Besides, some more were supplied in the past years.

However, the official admitted that there is no control in charges. The machines are sold to individuals, not to groups. Considering distant location of farmlands, the charge may vary, he added. Besides, an owner is allowed to use the machine for harvesting others' croplands after harvesting his own crop.

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