Halda river. File Photo

DHAKA, Feb 9, 2026 (BSS) - Tobacco cultivation has been completely stopped this year in Manikchhari section of the Halda Basin. 

Last year, tobacco was   cultivated on about 20 acres of land by 11 farmers in this area. 

Through coordinated efforts of the district and upazila administrations and the Department of Fisheries, it has been possible to ensure a complete stop to tobacco cultivation this year.

According to experts, excessive use of pesticides in agriculture and tobacco cultivation in the Halda basin are among the major causes of water pollution in the Halda River— the country’s only natural breeding sanctuary for carp species and a fisheries heritage site.

Those concerned have expressed hope that the cessation of tobacco cultivation will have a positive impact on the conservation of fish resources and biodiversity in the Halda River.

On November 5, 2025, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock issued a notification amending the existing gazette on the Halda River Fisheries Heritage, declaring tobacco cultivation prohibited in the Halda Basin area. 
Subsequently, a decision was taken to adopt necessary measures to stop tobacco cultivation and illegal sand extraction in the Halda Basin region at a meeting of the Khagrachhari District Law and Order Committee held on December 21 of the same year. 

As part of this process, the Manikchhari Upazila Fisheries Office and the upazila administration directly contacted the relevant tobacco farmers, informed them of the government notification, and advised them to refrain from planting tobacco seedlings. 

Tobacco seedlings are usually planted during December and January. At present, the Department of Agricultural Extension is encouraging farmers in the area to cultivate alternative crops such as mustard, maize, and various vegetables.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has directed that regular monitoring be strengthened to ensure that tobacco cultivation does not resume in the Halda Basin in future. This initiative is being considered an important step toward maintaining the ecological balance of the Halda River and conserving its fisheries resources.