Chuadanga farmers count billions in climate change-induced losses

Chuadanga weather observatory. UNB

Hossain Malik, Chuadanga, Oct 29 - The western district of Chuadanga has been reeling from the escalating impacts of climate change, with farmers suffering losses worth ‘hundreds of crores of taka’ over the past five years.

Prolonged droughts, devastating storms and extreme cold spells have battered agriculture, livestock and fisheries, leaving thousands of families struggling to survive.

“Extreme heat is not just a seasonal inconvenience. Its impact is far reaching. As we see in Bangladesh that the rising temperature is affecting our health and productivity, and the country’s prosperity,” said Jean Pesme, The World Bank Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan.

Between April and June each year, temperatures now frequently soar between 36°C and 40°C, scorching farmlands and reducing yields.

Winters, on the other hand, have become unusually harsh, with temperatures plunging to record lows, compounding the stress on crops and livestock.

Worsening Climate Disasters

Chuadanga’s agricultural sector has been particularly hard-hit by repeated bouts of drought, storms and irregular rainfall. Major crops such as Boro paddy, wheat, maize, winter vegetables, tobacco, onions, bananas, papaya, betel leaves and fruit orchards have suffered extensive damage, with many farmers unable to recover before the next calamity strikes.

Field surveys conducted by non-governmental organisations, including Wave Foundation and Riso, indicate that the scale of devastation may be far greater than official figures suggest. Their studies estimate that climate change is causing annual agricultural losses amounting to between Tk 200 crore and Tk 300 crore in the district.

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has reported significant losses over the last five years, with 2022 emerging as the most catastrophic year.

DAE Deputy Director Masudur Rahman Sarkar said losses in agriculture that year alone exceeded Tk 4.22 crore.

“In 2023 and 2024, losses were nearly half a crore taka. We continue to support affected farmers through incentive and rehabilitation programmes,” he said.

Losses and Support

According to official data, Chuadanga’s year-wise agricultural losses were:

· 2020: Tk 1.16 crore

· 2021: Tk 2.36 crore

· 2022: Tk 4.22 crore

· 2023: Tk 42.70 lakh

· 2024: Tk 23.50 lakh

During the same period, the government provided incentives to affected farmers as follows:

· 2020: Tk 2.55 crore

· 2021: Tk 7.01 crore

· 2022: Tk 5.30 crore

· 2023: Tk 6.42 crore

· 2024: Tk 9.76 crore

Under these programmes, farmers receive seeds and fertilisers for Boro, Aush and Aman paddy, wheat, maize, beans, lentils, mustard, vegetables and onions.

Masudur Rahman said this year the department is implementing over ten agricultural support projects, including those for Aush and Aman paddy, beans, cotton and summer onions. “We are particularly encouraging farmers to cultivate drought-tolerant crop varieties,” he said.

Voices from the Fields

Despite these efforts, many farmers remain frustrated. They complain of delays in receiving aid, exclusion from beneficiary lists and inadequate support.

A farmer from Sarishadanga village in Sadar upazila said, “A storm destroyed my banana orchard. Even though the local chairman prepared a list at the time, I still haven’t received any aid. Often, these lists are influenced by politics.”

Local fish farmer Hasan voiced similar concerns. “When water sources dry up, fish feed costs increase. While agriculture receives some incentives, fisheries largely get nothing,” he said.

Alarming Climatic Shifts

According to data from the Chuadanga Meteorological Office and Agriculture Department, both temperature and rainfall patterns have shifted dramatically in recent years. Average maximum temperatures rose from 31.4°C in 2020 to 32.6°C in 2023, while annual rainfall dropped from 1,729 mm to just 1,087 mm — the lowest in five years.

In 2024, temperatures peaked at an unprecedented 43.8°C, while winter lows fell below 6°C, causing extensive damage to crops and fisheries.

Meteorological Office official Tahmina Nasrin observed, “Rainfall has decreased and drought intensity has increased over the last few years. The combination of rising heat and declining water availability is creating severe challenges for local farmers.”

Government Response

Chuadanga Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahirul Islam said the government remains committed to supporting residents affected by climate change.

“Chuadanga is not immune to the effects of climate change. During droughts and cold spells, we provide winter clothing, dry food and agricultural incentives. We have also recommended several projects to central authorities for promoting climate-resilient crops and sustainable water management,” he said.

As climate extremes intensify, Zahirul Islam said, the resilience of Chuadanga’s farmers will be put to an ever-tougher test. Without stronger adaptation measures, experts warn, the district’s agriculture, fisheries, livestock and public health may face long-term and possibly irreversible threats. - UNB