Rat infestation in Aman fields worries farmers

Aman paddy fields in Mymensingh are under siege by a relentless army of rats, wreaking havoc on the growing crops. The farmers, despite resorting to various measures including the use of pesticides, find themselves helpless against the nightly onslaught.

Mozammel Haque, a concerned farmer from Gopalnagar village, voiced the collective anxiety of the agricultural community, stating, "Due to the cutting of paddy, the grains are drying up and turning red. If this continues, the investment made in the plantation will be in vain, and our farmers will bear significant losses."

The rats, known for their nocturnal activities, retreat to the forests during the day only to emerge under the cover of darkness to decimate the young tips of the paddy fields. Despite tireless efforts and various initiatives, the farmers are grappling with the persistent challenge posed by the rats.

Saiful Islam, another farmer facing the predicament, lamented, "In the current Aman season, we have cultivated paddy on 148 acres of land, incurring expenses of about Tk 50,000 on seeds, cultivation, fertilizers, irrigation, and labor wages. However, the rats, impervious to insecticides, threaten to undermine the expected rice yield, putting our financial stability at risk."

Mojibur Rahman, reflecting on the situation, disclosed, "The insect attack was initially curbed with pesticides, but now the intrusion of rats into the paddy fields has thrown the farmers into a quandary. Despite seeking advice from agriculture department officials, a viable solution seems elusive."

Agronomist Matiuzzaman, the deputy director of Khamarbari, Mymensingh Agricultural Extension Department, highlighted the severity of the issue, revealing that over two lakh 68 thousand 485 hectares of Aman paddy have been planted in the district this season. 

Acknowledging the farmers' plight, he urged them to take measures to protect their rice plants from the relentless onslaught of rats. The looming threat of a compromised rice yield and subsequent financial repercussions adds urgency to the need for effective solutions to counter the rat infestation.