M Muslim Chowdhury, Srimangal/Moulvibazar/Representative/

In Srimangal of Moulvibazar, about 400 kera of boro paddy seedbeds were destroyed due to lack of water. Farmers are facing losses due to the loss of seed beds.

The affected farmers have written complaints to Srimangal Upazila Parishad Chairman, Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Agriculture Officer and Ashidron Union Parishad Chairman for redressal.

Several farmers affected by the loss of seed beds said that the management committee called Fatki Ashidron Irrigation Scheme was supposed to give water in the current Boro season. According to Iqbal Mia, Roop Mia and Rubel Mia of the project management committee, the farmers sowed the seeds at the end of the month of Agrahayan. In the middle of Paush month, the land should be watered for plowing. Now the sapling is almost two months old. As the saplings are too old, they are unfit for planting in the land. The affected farmers are mentally broken as the paddy seedlings dry and turn yellow and perish in the seed bed. Farmer of Ashidron village. Mainul Islam Babu said that during the current boro season, the water committee came to his house for three days and held a meeting and said that they promised to provide water for boro paddy planting. And told farmers to sow seeds. According to him the farmer Moinul Islam Babu sowed 4 maunds of paddy seeds. Even though the saplings were two months old, no water was provided. Due to lack of water, the seed bed has dried up and perished. Roman Mia, farmer of Khoshbas village, said, I sow one maund of paddy seeds for four care boro plantations. I have given money to water committee in Char Care Boro Abad. They are calling us today and tomorrow. Now the sapling is two months old. Rice seedlings cannot be planted in the land. Furuk, a farmer of the same village, said, “I am buying a bunch of rice seeds for 3,200 taka.” I could not plant rice seedlings in the land after spending 2000 taka for cutting the land. As the saplings are old, now the saplings are turning yellow and dying.

Fataki Ashidron Irrigation Project Management Committee Accused Iqbal Mia said, we have been providing water since the meeting. Those who have complained have not told us even for a day about water. We provide water to serve people and not for business. Upazila Agriculture Officer. Mohiuddin said, we received the complaint and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer sir was documenting the file for me to take necessary measures. We have visited the site. We will take action against them as per government rules. Srimangal Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ali Rajib Mahmud Mithun said, I have received complaints about the problem of drinking water for farmers. The field worker of our agriculture office has come to see the matter. Called farmers and water providers. The issue will be resolved with both sides.