Photo: BSS

JHENAIDAH, May 12, 2026 (BSS) - Continuous rainfall over the past several days has submerged ripe paddy fields across the district, forcing farmers to cut rice stalks early in an attempt to save their crops. 

The situation has sparked fears of a looming cattle fodder crisis as large quantities of paddy straw are being left unusable in the fields.

Field visits in different parts of the district revealed vast stretches of ripe Boro paddy standing in waterlogged fields. Although farmers reported good yields this season, untimely rainfall has severely disrupted harvesting activities and threatened crop quality.

Low-lying agricultural lands in areas including Hamudar Beel, Rajaramer Beel, Bhabanipur-Ramnagar, Maharajpur, Baidanga and Rangiarpota in Sadar upazila have been inundated by rainwater. Similar conditions were observed in Raigram, Jamal, Kola, Nityanandapur, and Agamundiya under Kaliganj upazila, as well as in Maheshpur and Harinakundu upazilas.

Farmers said continuous afternoon and evening rain over the last four days has left harvested paddy soaked in the fields. In many cases, the wet paddy has already started sprouting, reducing grain quality and market value.

"I harvested paddy in the morning when the sky was clear, but heavy rain in the afternoon ruined everything," said Anwar Hossain, a farmer from Kumrabaria village in Sadar upazila. "The next day, I found sprouts emerging from the paddy. I had no choice but to cut the stalks, which doubled my costs."

Apart from crop losses, farmers and cattle rearers are increasingly worried about a shortage of paddy straw, a key source of cattle feed.

"Nowadays, many rural families rear cattle on small farms," said cattle farmer Khanjahan Ali Choton. "But because of the rain, paddy straw is not available in the fields this year. Farmers are trying to save the paddy first, so they cannot think about preserving straw. There may be a serious fodder shortage until the next season."

Farmers also complained about rising labour costs and poor market prices for paddy.

"Farmers are facing endless problems," said Tajul Islam, a farmer from Bahergachhi village in Kaliganj upazila. "There is a shortage of workers, wages are high, and even after taking paddy to the market, we do not get fair prices. This season, it seems there will be little profit from paddy cultivation."

Deputy Director of Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), Jhenaidah, agriculturist Md Kamruzzaman said farmers are facing difficulties due to intermittent rainfall since the beginning of the harvesting season.

"Combined harvesters are working in fields across the district, and agriculture officials are maintaining regular communication with farmers," he said. "Weather updates and public awareness announcements are being provided continuously. Many farmers are delaying harvesting in hopes of better weather so they can preserve straw, although this may result in lower rice yields."