Photo: BSS

SUNAMGANJ, April 16, 2026 (BSS) - Farmers of the district are expecting a strong Boro harvest this season, with a production target set at 12,33,517 metric tons of paddy, according to the Department of Agriculture Extention.

Boro paddy has been cultivated on 223,511 hectares of land across 137 haors in all 12 upazilas of the district. As the Bengali month of Baishakh begins, farmers have started harvesting early crops, hoping for favorable weather to ensure a successful yield.

Local farmers say their livelihoods depend heavily on the Boro harvest. "Our entire year's expenses depend on this paddy," said Anwar Hossain, a farmer from Lalpur village. "If we can harvest on time, it will be a great relief."

Farmers in haor areas reported water shortages during planting, while others highlighted an acute labor crisis during harvesting. Abdul Awal, another farmer, emphasized the need for more harvesting machines to address the labor shortage.

To support harvesting, both traditional laborers-locally known as "Naiya"-and mechanized harvesters are being deployed. 

Groups of Naiya workers have already arrived from areas like Bholaganj and are preparing to harvest in multiple haors, including Pakhimara, Rangamati, and Putia.

The Upazila Agriculture Office confirmed that over 120 harvester machines-77 government-supported and around 50 privately owned-will operate in the fields this season. 

While machines help speed up harvesting, farmers said some drawbacks, including limited straw collection for cattle feed and difficulty operating in waterlogged fields.

Authorities said that harvesters can function in up to eight inches of water but deeper haor conditions still require manual labor.

Meanwhile, the district administration has set a rate of Taka 1,900 per 30 decimals of land for machine harvesting. 

Farmers, however, expressed concern over rising fuel costs and shortages, arguing that the fixed rate may not be viable under current conditions.

Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Sunamganj Omar Faruk said the cultivation target has already been slightly exceeded this season. Harvesting has begun across all upazilas, though early rains caused minor delays.

"So far, 795 hectares have been harvested. If weather conditions remain favorable, we hope to complete 100 percent of the harvest by May 15," he added.