In Panchagarh district of Bangladesh, farmers are facing a dire situation as a severe drought grips the region, posing a significant threat to almond and chilli crops. Once flourishing almond and pepper fields now stand withered, as the prolonged absence of rainfall and scorching heat take a toll on agricultural yields. The anticipated bumper harvest has turned into fears of substantial crop losses, leaving farmers grappling with uncertainty about their livelihoods.

Typically, this time of the year sees lush greenery across Panchagarh's upazilas, with farmers eagerly awaiting a fruitful harvest. However, the unrelenting drought has disrupted this cycle, leaving almond orchards parched and pepper plants wilting. The dry soil has deprived crops of essential moisture, leading to a decline in vitality and productivity.

Farmers, accustomed to relying on seasonal rainfall for irrigation, are now forced to explore alternative measures to sustain their crops. Some have resorted to costly pump irrigation methods, driving up cultivation expenses and squeezing already tight profit margins. As a result, yield projections for pepper cultivation have plummeted by as much as half, exacerbating the financial strain on farmers.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, local agricultural authorities are stepping in to offer guidance and support to affected farmers. Abdul Matin, Deputy Director of Panchagarh Agricultural Extension Department, emphasizes the impact of the prolonged heatwave on water sources, further exacerbating the challenges faced by farmers.

Almond cultivation spans over 9,000 hectares of land, predominantly in Boda upazila, while chilli cultivation covers approximately 8,700 hectares, primarily in Atwari and Tentulia upazilas. As the drought persists, concerted efforts are underway to mitigate crop losses and alleviate the economic burden on farmers. With recommendations for pump irrigation and other adaptive measures, authorities aim to sustain agricultural livelihoods in the face of this unprecedented challenge.