Acute labour crisis frustrate Boro growers in Magura

MAGURA, May 3: Acute labour crisis is frustrating Boro growers in Magura.
Agriculture Extension Department (DAE) Magura informed, a total of 36337 hectares of land was brought under Boro cultivation in the district this season. A bumper production of Boro paddy has been achieved this season which is 148090 tonnes.
Farmers sources it is high time for Boro harvesting. But extreme crisis of labour is prevailing in the district at present. Non availability of labourers has raised concern among the farmers. Earlier nor'waster and hailstorm have damaged Boro crop badly in the district. If such disaster happens again, Boro paddy will face a heavy damage. In this situation labourers are hardly available even after being offered high price. Abu Noim, a Boro farmer of village Katakhali under Magura Sadar upazila said, "Last year we paid Tk 250 to Tk 280 per labourer for harvesting. But this year labourers are hardly available even after offered Tk 450 to Tk 500 per labourer.
 Magura DAE official Noabul Alam said, labour crisis is a common incident in our country during Boro harvesting. He hopes harvest will be completed in due time.
    litan1968@gmail.com