Photo: BSS

RANGPUR, May 21, 2026 (BSS) - A sudden Nor’wester (Kalboishakhi) storm has caused extensive damage to ripe Boro paddy fields in Pirganj upazila of the district, leaving farmers devastated just ahead of the harvest season.

According to the Upazila Agriculture Department, at least 23 hectares of ripe Boro paddy were damaged as strong winds and heavy rainfall swept through several areas of the upazila on Thursday morning.

The storm affected Kabilpur, Raipur, Chatra, Boro Alampur, Tukuria, Madankhali and Bhendabari, where vast stretches of paddy fields were flattened by gusty winds. In many low-lying areas, waterlogging has further complicated harvesting efforts.

Farmers were seen rushing to salvage their crops with the help of family members. However, a shortage of agricultural labourers and continuous rainfall have made harvesting difficult.

 Many fear that if the fallen paddy cannot be collected quickly, prolonged exposure to water will reduce both the quality and yield of the grain.

Local farmers said they had cultivated Boro paddy by taking loans to buy fertilizer, seeds and pesticides. Favorable weather conditions had raised hopes for a good harvest this season, but the sudden storm disrupted those expectations.

Farmer Nazrul Islam said he had worked hard throughout the year to cultivate his land and expected a good return from the harvest.

“I planned to repay my loans after selling the paddy, but the storm ruined everything. Now there are no workers available, and I do not know how to bring the paddy home,” he said.

Another farmer, Nur Islam, expressed concern that the fallen paddy could rot quickly if more rain occurs.

“If we do not receive government assistance, we will face serious hardship,” he said.

Apart from crop damage, the storm also uprooted trees and damaged several mud houses in different areas. Power supply in parts of the upazila remained disrupted for several hours after the storm, causing inconvenience to residents.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Sumon Ahmed said an initial assessment of the damage has already been completed.

“The sudden storm damaged ripe Boro paddy in different parts of the upazila. Farmers are being advised to harvest the crops quickly and take them home. The issue of providing assistance to affected farmers will be communicated to the higher authorities,” he added.