The fisheries and agriculture sectors in Narail have incurred losses worth Tk 100 crore, due to flood caused by multiple rounds of heavy rainfall during the monsoon. Massive flooding after continuous rains submerged at least 3,500 fish enclosures and ponds, out of 5,300 on 1,700 hectares of land in the district. About 66% of the fish enclosures were impacted, resulting in losses of Tk 90 crore in the fisheries sector alone, according to Fisheries Department. Department of Agricultural Extension sources said the flood also damaged crops, including Aman paddy and vegetables such as beans, pumpkins, cucumbers, and papayas, causing an additional losses worth Tk 10 crore. Thousands of farmers in Narail Sadar, Lohagara, and Kalia upazilas were severely impacted, with Narail Sadar and Kalia being the most affected. Haor tourism: Sunamganj sees increased tourist flow after losses Local farmers and DAE officials said the district's economy heavily relies on agriculture and fish farming, surrounded by wetlands and enclosures. About 82% of the population is engaged in agriculture, and over 50,000 people are directly involved in fish farming. The scale of the damage has left many in distress, including fish farmer Md. Ahaduzzaman from Bhawakali wetland, who said, "I invested heavily this year, hoping to earn at least Tk 10 lakh, but my three enclosures were completely flooded." He also lost his vegetable crops and now struggles to repay loans. Other farmers face similar difficulties. Jiru Sheikh, a fish farmer from Durgapur, said, "I have never faced such losses before. All the fish from my enclosures have been washed away, causing a loss of Tk 7 lakh." Azizur Sheikh from the same area reported damages exceeding Tk 8 lakh after losing fish from four of his five enclosures and the vegetables on the banks. Farmer Khaza Mia lamented that the flooding made it impossible to distinguish between the wetland and enclosures, while Tazibur Sherikh from Arpara village said he could no longer walk across fields without a boat. The agriculture and fisheries departments have started assessing the damage. Chili growers in Manikganj worried over low production due to drought Md. Ashek Parvez, Deputy Director of the DAE, said, "A list of affected farmers has been prepared. The government will provide fertilisers and seeds to help them recover." Besides, District Fisheries Officer H.M. Badruzzaman  said a list of affected fish enclosure owners has been submitted to higher authorities for possible assistance. Despite the devastation, Narail remains a surplus district in food and fish production. The annual fish demand is 16,000 metric tons, but production reaches at least 18,000 metric tons, leaving a surplus of 2,000 metric tons. Besides, the district produces at least one lakh metric tons of surplus food annually. However, the recent rainfall has jeopardised the livelihoods of thousands dependent on fisheries and agriculture. Read more: BNP calls for relief support for flood-hit farmers in North, Mymensingh

Some 50 metric tonnes of mango of different varieties was exported to Europe on till Monday, authorities said. According to the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), 50 metric tonnes of mangoes of Himsagar and Gobindobhog varieties are exported in the market of European countries including England, Sweden and Italy. Later, Lengra and Amrapali varieties will be exported in phases. Mango harvest in Natore begins today with Gopalbhog variety This year, the local administration has set a target to export 300 metric tonnes of mango and training was given to the mango growers in Kalaroa, Sadar and Debhata upazilas. But this year, the size of mango is not appropriate due to low yield of mango in Satkhira caused by the cyclonic storm Remal and drought, which is feared to achieve the export target this season. Saiful Islam, deputy director of Satkhira DAE, said this year the mango of Satkhira failed to achieve the standard export quality as spots were found in mangoes. Besides, the size of mango is not up to the mark. As a result, it will be difficult to fulfill the target set by the authorities. Special mango rail to start operation on Chapainawabganj-Dhaka route June 10 Rafiqul Islam, a mango grower of Bakal area, said he has 25 bighas of land under mango cultivation. He however, managed to export four metric tonnes of Gobindobhog variety and two metric tonnes of Himsagar variety mango to the European countries. Besides, the price of the exported mango is better than the previous year as he is selling per maund of mango at Tk 3200-3400, which was Tk 2400-2500 in the last year. Satkhira started to export mango in European countries and the Middle East in 2015. Read more: Naogaon district sets ambitious Tk 2500 crore target for mango sales

Mango yield in Rajshahi district, known as the capital of mango, have been affected due to the prevailing severe heat wave condition and lack of rains, causing anxiety among farmers and traders. The district and many other regions of the country have been experiencing intense heat wave for about a month, which has caused the water bodies and ponds in the Barind region to dry up, resulting in the early drop of mangoes and litchi pods. Local mango growers and traders said the amount of buds in the mango trees of the district was much less than the previous year.Crop lands have been dried up due to absence of rains which is affecting mango and litchi production as well, they said. Already 30 percent mango pods have been dropped, said the mango growers. Gazipur train derailment: Salvage operation still on 24 hours post-collision According to the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), this year, a total of 19,602 hectares of land have been brought under mango cultivation, which is 24 hectares more than the previous year. The DAE authorities set a target to produce 2,60,164 tonnes of mangoes this year. But it is feared that even half of the target won’t be achieved due to the high rate of mango dropping. Bagha and Charghat upazilas of Rajshahi district are top in mango production but this year farmers are worried over possible losses.Abdul Mannan, a mango grower of Bagha upazila, said “Mangoes are produced in large quantities in Bagha upazila. But this year, most of the trees lack mangoes, making the farmers and traders disappointed. About 30 percent of the mango pods have dropped due to drought. Mango traders are worried about getting back the production cost.” Fear of fruit failure grips mango growers in Chapainawabganj as heatwave Intensifies Dr Shafiqul Islam, chief scientific officer of Rajshahi Fruit Research Centre, said, “The quantity of pods is good and if those sustain there is a possibility of good yield. But who can say about the heat wave? The current heat wave is causing problem not only for mangoes but also for litchi. To produce any crops, fruits and vegetables, water is needed. If there is a shortage of water, all of these will be affected.” Umme Salma, assistant director of Rajshahi DAE, said “Mangoes fall for different reasons, even rains cause fall of mango pods. This year small trees have enough mangoes while big ones have a little less. But dropping mango pods is normal. Farmers who failed to nurture the trees properly are witnessing more fall of mangoes.”

Bangladesh is preparing to introduce remote sensing and drones to detect crop damage caused by extreme weather events or diseases, said the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Around 20 officers of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) are initially receiving training to learn how to use the state-of-the-art technologies. Malay Choudhury, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, and Edimon Ginting, ADB Country Director for Bangladesh inaugurated a workshop titled “The Use of Drone and Satellite Image for Crop Monitoring and Crop Damage Assessment” in Dhaka on Tuesday to initiate a seven-day training programme. ADB forecasts Bangladesh's GDP growth at 6.1% in FY 2023-24, anticipates rise to 6.6% next year DAE and ADB jointly designed the training programme that will continue till April 25 April, according to ADB. Renowned geospatial experts from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) will conduct the training. The trainees will receive four days of classroom training on geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing analysis for crop damage detection and participate in a three-day field trip to Sylhet to learn how to collect ground data using mobile devices. Local DAE officials are expected to participate in the training in Sylhet, where the 2022 floods caused major crop damage. ADB to increase cooperation in Bangladesh climate actions: Environment Minister Proper assessment of crop diseases and losses are critical to take appropriate measures to ensure agricultural productivity and food security in the context of growing threats of climate change in Bangladesh, said Country Director Edimon Ginting. “ADB will continue to bring in innovative solutions including advanced technologies to help Bangladesh tackle climate impacts,” Ginting added. With advanced geospatial technology, our officers will be able to assess crop damage and provide effective government programs to mitigate the expected damage caused by climate change in the future, said Badal Chandra Biswas, Director General, DAE. PM Hasina seeks more support from ADB for socioeconomic uplift Following the training program, ADB and DAE plan to produce joint reports on crop damage assessment in the Sylhet region, conduct a project evaluation study of an ADB-supported integrated water management project in Gopalganj areas, and implement a nationwide climate disaster assessment in a small local government unit. Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific financed by the Government of Japan provided the grant fund for the training program through the Asian Development Bank.

Mango farmers in Chapainawabganj district are bracing for potential losses this season, with significantly fewer buds observed on trees, particularly affecting larger trees amid challenging weather conditions. This year's reduced bud bloom could mark the season as a mango-off year, a phenomenon where production alternates annually between high and low yields due to natural growth cycles and external factors. Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) sources indicate that cold weather is to blame for the decreased number of mango buds in the district. However, there is optimism that warmer temperatures could encourage more buds to bloom. Off-season Gourmoti mangoes could be profitable for Thakurgaon The region, known for its extensive mango orchards spanning 37,604 hectares, produced 443,625 metric tonnes of mangoes last year. Mango bud formation typically occurs from early Magh to mid-Falgun, but this year's expected bloom has been hampered by the prevailing cold. Mango farmer Abdur Rakib from Chapainawabganj municipality notes that diligent tree care can yield better bud production, even in an off year. Yet, the cost of cultivation might outweigh profits due to the reduced number of buds. Rakib also highlights the risk of natural calamities, which could further impact growers already facing low bud counts.

Farmers in the Chapainawabganj district are poised to surpass their production targets for boro rice this year, aiming to harvest 253,780 metric tonnes, thanks to a surge in interest spurred by last season's bumper yield. The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) has outlined an ambitious plan to cultivate boro rice across 52,200 hectares of land. The cultivation efforts are distributed across various upazilas, with 13,220 hectares in Sadar, 15,720 in Gomastapur, 6,250 in Bholahat, 9,680 in Nachole, and 7,330 hectares in Shibganj. Farmers like Kawsar Ali from Sadar upazila are busy preparing their fields and sowing boro seeds. Ali, who has dedicated eight bighas of land to boro cultivation, noted the rising costs of production, attributing them to increased labor and irrigation expenses. Similarly, Mayez Uddin pointed out the hike in land plowing costs from Tk 300 to Tk 350, alongside rising labor charges. Govt to provide Tk 108 crore as incentive to boost Boro production: Ministry Paddy workers, enduring the winter chill to plant boro, like Madan, highlighted that the current rate of Tk 500 for planting helps cover their household expenses despite the hard work. Dr. Palash Sarkar, Deputy Director of DAE, remains optimistic about this year's prospects. He mentioned the widespread adoption of the Ufsi boro variety, ensuring there's no shortage of seeds or fertilizers. Furthermore, irrigation has been smooth due to reliable power supply, and farmers have received all necessary guidance from agricultural officials. With these favorable conditions, Dr. Sarkar anticipates that the boro rice production target will not only be met but exceeded, signaling a successful and productive season ahead for the farmers of Chapainawabganj. Half of Boro paddy procurement target not achieved yet, Food Minister tells JS

In Chapainawabganj district, the abundant harvest of summer onions and favorable market prices have delighted local farmers. The successful cultivation of the N-53 variety has made this season particularly profitable. The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) played a pivotal role in this success. They provided farmers with essential resources, including 1 kg of N-53 onion seeds, 20 kg of fertilizers (MoP and DAP), pesticides, and Tk 2,800 in cash for labor costs per bigha of land. Habiganj admin sets limits on onions purchase by retailers and consumers This comprehensive support was part of a government initiative benefiting 4,500 farmers. Additionally, the DAE offered crucial training, which contributed to the bumper yield. During a visit to Ghorapakhia in the Sadar upazila, the scene was one of industriousness, with farmers diligently harvesting their crops. Sayem Ali, a local farmer, shared his experience: "I've grown onions before, but the N-53 variety has brought an unprecedented yield. I'm expecting to harvest 108 maunds per bigha and, with favorable weather, even 120 maunds." He further noted the profitable market prices, with one maund selling for Tk 2,200. Despite investing Tk 30,000 of his own funds, the returns have been encouraging. Sayem intends to continue with N-53 cultivation, irrespective of government incentives. Govt directs to intensify field-level monitoring on onion prices

Agriculture Minister Md Abdur Razzaque has said a decision on onion import will be taken within two to three days after monitoring the market situation. "I know that all middle- and limited-income people are suffering. The price of onion should not be Tk 80 per kg. At the policy level, we are putting emphasis on the interests of our local farmers,” the minister said while talking to reporters at his Secretariat office today (May 21, 2023). "We have discussed it at the highest level of policymaking. We are monitoring the market very closely. Insha'Allah, you will get a decision on whether we will import onions in 2-3 days," he said. Read more: Govt may allow onion import soon: Agriculture Secretary Last week, the Agriculture Secretary Wahida Akhter said the government is considering importing onions due to the hike in onion prices in the market. Due to government intervention, onion production in the country has increased by more than one million tonne in the last two years, according to the DAE (Department of Agricultural Extension). This year alone, more than 34 lakh tonnes of onion have been produced in the country. Meanwhile, the demand for onion in the country is 26 to 28 lakh tonnes per year. Read more: Govt to import 12,500 MT of sugar from US However, due to lack of proper storage system or adverse environment, 30-35% of locally produced.

The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) of Bangladesh has asked the farmers to harvest 80% ripe paddy, mango and other crops to avoid damages by potential cyclonic storm Mocha. It also asked the officials concerned to take necessary steps for mass campaign so that farmers can take precautionary measures, said a press release of the DAE issued on Tuesday (May 09, 2023). Also read: Depression over southeast Bay intensifies into deep depression DAE also asked the agriculture officers to provide necessary advices to the farmers saying at their respective work place round the clock and follow the Bangladesh Agro-Metrological Information Service (BAMIS) portal to get any update about weather condition. According to the latest Met office prediction, the depression over the Bay of Bengal may intensify into a cyclonic storm by May 12 or May 13 and in that case there is a possibility of huge damage of crops, it said. Read More: Low pressure area intensifies into well-marked low over Bay: Met office.

As summer approaches, mango trees have already bloomed and worn eye-catching looks with huge flowers, spreading a sweet scent in every corner of Chapainawabganj, known as the country’s mango capital. Farmers are taking care of the orchards in the hope of a good yield as the weather has been favorable so far this year. But due to the hike in the prices of various materials used for nurturing orchards, including pesticides, the farmers are struggling to take care of the mango trees. Visiting different areas of the district, the UNB correspondent found mango trees covered in blossoms. And such a scene is now adorning not only the rural areas but also the city, making farmers hopeful of a bumper yield this year. Read: Vegetable cultivation on Teesta shoals a boon for Lalmonirhat farmers Mango farmers said that the weather has been favorable since the beginning of the season. As a result, orchards have been covered with mango blossoms. Abdur Rakib, a mango grower, said, "I have an orchard of Amrapali in Chapainawabganj Sadar Upazila which consists of 1,000 trees. Although the weather has been favourable so far this year, the maintenance cost of the orchard has increased many folds due."