Farmers in Kishoreganj’s Haor region are relieved as repair work on 142 km of crop protection dams across nine upazilas was swiftly completed, costing Tk 20 crore. Photo: Messenger
Construction of crop protection dams for Boro farmers in nine upazilas of Kishoreganj dominated by Haor has been successfully finished on schedule. This completion has brought joy amongst farmers, particularly those near the Haor area, as these dams are set to safeguard Boro crops from early floods.
The significance of these dams cannot be overstated. For years, Boro farmers in the Haor region have grappled with the specter of inundation, as hectares of precious paddy fields succumbed to the deluge brought by unreliable weather patterns.
About 1,500 square kilometers of the Haor area in Kishoreganj district are now lush and green as farmers are busy cultivating Boro paddy, which is the primary crop of the region and a staple food in Bangladesh.
In 2017, thousands of hectares of Boro paddy fields were submerged under water due to the hilly slopes of Haor and continuous rainfall in Kishoreganj. Subsequently, in 2018, the Water Development Board took the initiative to construct a dam to protect the farmers of Haor from such calamities. In the current Boro season, farmers in the Haor area are relieved because repair work on 142 km of crop protection dams was swiftly implemented across nine upazilas inhabited by Haor residents in the district, at a cost of 20 crore taka.
Jamal Mia, a farmer from Kunia Haor, encapsulates the sentiments of many when he speaks of the transformative impact of these dams. "Every year, we feared our land would be swallowed by water, leaving us with nothing. But now, with the dams in place, we can cultivate without apprehension," he remarks, a sense of relief palpable in his voice.
Similarly, Zamir Uddin, a resident of Bara Haor, expresses his optimism for a bountiful harvest, thanks to the reinforced defenses provided by the dams. "The strength of these dams assures us that even in the face of adversity, our crops will stand tall," he declares, his faith unwavering in the face of nature's unpredictability.
The completion of these dams not only safeguards existing agricultural lands but also paves the way for future prosperity. By identifying and addressing vulnerable areas, the authorities have demonstrated a commitment to long-term sustainability, ensuring that the agricultural backbone of the region remains intact for generations to come.
Executive Engineer Matiur Rahman's words echo this sentiment of cautious optimism. "We have left no stone unturned in fortifying the dams against potential threats. Our efforts have been focused on preemptive measures, mitigating the risk posed by upstream flooding," he states, underscoring the proactive stance adopted by the Water Development Board.
The success of these endeavors is a testament to effective governance and collaborative action. Deputy Commissioner Abul Kalam Azad lauds the concerted efforts of all stakeholders involved, emphasizing the strides made in comparison to previous years. "The completion of the dams ahead of schedule is a testament to our commitment to agricultural prosperity. With each passing season, we fortify our defenses, ensuring a more resilient future," he asserts, his words resonating with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
As Boro paddy adorns the landscape of Kishoreganj district, a sense of optimism pervades the air. With crop protection dams standing sentinel against the forces of nature, farmers can cultivate their lands with confidence, secure in the knowledge that their toil will yield a bountiful harvest. In the Haor region, where agriculture is more than a livelihood-it is a way of life-the completion of these dams marks a triumph of resilience over adversity, ushering in a new era of agricultural security and prosperity.
Messenger/Sajib
