Photo: BSS

RAJBARI, Mar 24, 2026 (BSS) - The increase in tobacco cultivation in the district is reducing the fertility of triple-crop agricultural land and putting local residents at serious health risk.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in the district, tobacco is currently being grown on 10 hectares in the Sadar area, 10 hectares in Goalanda, 1 hectare in Pangsha, 8 hectares in Kalukhali, and 4 hectares in Baliakandi.

Ahad Ali, a farmer from Char Beni Nagar along the Padma River in Rajbari Sadar Upazila told BSS, "Our riverine land used to yield bumper crops of peanuts, wheat, rice, and various vegetables. Now, due to tobacco cultivation, the fertile soil is losing its productivity, and the environment is becoming toxic from exposure to tobacco, putting people's health at risk."

Dr. Maruf Hasan, Upazila Health Officer of Goalanda told BSS, "Exposure to tobacco without following health precautions can lead to serious health risks."

Nilu Mondal, a farmer from Daulatdia said, "As tobacco companies continue to offer financial incentives, farmers are becoming more interested in tobacco cultivation compared to other crops."

Karim Sheikh, a student from a school in the riverine area said, "Many of us feel dizzy while going to school along the riverbank because of nearby tobacco cultivation."

Due to the absence of a tuberculosis control officer at the Civil Surgeon's Office, the exact number of people dying from respiratory diseases caused by tobacco exposure in the district is unknown.

Although tobacco was cultivated on 33 hectares of land in the district this year, officials warned that the area under cultivation is likely to expand in the coming years.