Sediment-borne fertility transforms northern Bangladesh

Teesta river bed and its islets croplands fed by fertile sediment deposited by floods. UNB

By Rezaul Karim Manik. Rangpur, Dec 3 - As floodwaters receded across northern Bangladesh, newly deposited sediment has turned the sandy river islands of the Teesta, Dharla, Saniyazan and Brahmaputra—known locally as chars—into fertile land, sparking a surge in cultivation.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, the northern rivers contain nearly 786 char areas and communities living there have begun to rebuild their livelihoods following the recent floods.

Agriculturist Sirajul Islam, Additional Director of the Rangpur agricultural region, says this year’s cultivation target for the chars has been set at 36,911 hectares, with an expected output of 362,000 tonnes of various crops. 

“Char residents are likely to recover through this year’s harvest. A single crop can sustain many families for an entire year,” he explains.

A Season of Intense Activity

Across the Teesta’s char zones in Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Kurigram, Gaibandha and Nilphamari, farmers are working round the clock, Sirajul Islam said. 

Large tracts have already been planted with potatoes, aubergines, chillies, onions, ginger, garlic, beans, coriander, carrots, cabbages, radishes, gourds, wheat, sesame, linseed, mustard and maize, he said. 

Growers say they anticipate good yields from almost all varieties this season.

In Ichli char of Gangachara, Rangpur, farmer Hossain Mia has planted potatoes on three bighas of land, aubergines on another three bighas and coriander on 20 decimals. 

“If the yields are satisfactory, I expect to earn around Tk 1.5 lakh after covering costs,” he said. 

Local growers Habibur, Rahim and Khairul echo similar expectations, noting that each of them could make Tk 60,000 to Tk 70,000 in profit if the season is favourable.

Storage and Market Access Remain Major Obstacles

Abdullah Al Hadi, Chairman of Lakshmitari Union Parishad, describes the Teesta’s chars as a “growing agricultural zone”, with fresh produce already reaching local markets.

Many more farmers have begun cultivating again.

He, however, highlights a persistent challenge: the lack of storage, processing facilities and proper market access. 

“This is the biggest frustration for char farmers. Without cold storage, transportation and processing facilities, they are deprived of fair profits,” he said. 

He believes the region requires two to three cold storages, while Gangachara currently has only one. Poor connectivity also prevents farmers from transporting goods easily to nearby markets.

Power of Nutrient-Rich Silt

Agriculture officer Tushar Kanti explains that the silt deposited on the Teesta’s chars has made the soil exceptionally fertile. 

Many crops are flourishing even without chemical fertilisers. Maize, wheat, potatoes, chillies, onions, garlic, mustard, sesame, linseed and a wide range of vegetables are being grown in abundance, he said.

Dr Tuhin Wadud, Professor at Begum Rokeya University and a long-time researcher on char lands, says that the post-flood silt left behind on these islands is “extremely fertile”. 

As a result, he said, farmers in the region often witness bumper harvests following floods. But he points out that limited transport links continue to hinder farmers from securing fair prices.

He believes dredging the Teesta and other major rivers could bring long-term benefits: “If the rivers were properly excavated, more char lands would emerge, offering northern communities significant economic opportunities.”

Prospects Worth Tk 200 Crore

Agricultural officials estimate that crops from more than 786 char areas across eight northern districts could generate Tk 200 crore in revenue this season.

Field officers from the agricultural department are providing technical assistance and financial incentives, and officials say support has already been extended to char farmers affected by the floods. - UNB