Farmers in Rajshahi and across Bangladesh’s northwest region are growing increasingly worried about the production of Boro rice as intense heatwaves dry up fields and power shortages cripple irrigation systems.
Heatwave and power crisis threaten irrigation-dependent Boro rice farming
The Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) reports that it can now operate only five to six hours of its electrically powered deep tube wells each day, far below the regulated 14 hours, due to ongoing power shortages in the region. These wells are critical for irrigating over 629,000 hectares of farmland, much of it currently planted with Boro rice.
Extreme temperatures worsen soil moisture loss across northwestern Bangladesh
Agricultural extension officials say daytime temperatures in Rajshahi and surrounding districts have remained between 38 and 39 degrees Celsius for several days, with dry westerly winds accelerating evaporation and cracking the soil in rice paddies. This has led to widespread moisture stress in standing crops, particularly in areas where irrigation cannot keep pace with demand.
Farmers fear cascading impact on upcoming Aman rice planting
Beyond the immediate threat to Boro yields, farmers say the combination of heat stress and failed irrigation is likely to disrupt land preparation for the Aman rice season, which typically follows Boro harvests. Many express concern that insufficient soil moisture and land degradation could leave large areas uncultivated for the next planting cycle.
What is causing the irrigation shortfall in Rajshahi’s northwest?
The irrigation shortfall stems from a combination of prolonged power shortages and extreme heat, which together limit the operation of electrically powered deep tube wells to just five or six hours per day instead of the regulated 14 hours.
How much farmland is at risk due to the current crisis?
The BMDA’s deep tube wells provide irrigation for 629,000 hectares of farmland, a significant portion of which is currently used for Boro rice cultivation and now faces moisture stress due to inadequate water supply.