Kurigram, Oct 27, V7N- Kurigram has faced significant challenges over the past three days as Cyclone Dana brought gusty winds and heavy rains, leading to the collapse of saplings across various upazilas. Farmers cultivating Aman rice are particularly anxious about their half-ripe paddy crops.
 
Local agricultural authorities report that while it remains uncertain how much of the farmland has been affected, initial assessments indicate that the fallen rice may not have sustained serious damage. However, farmers remain on high alert, especially those in low-lying areas where standing water poses a threat to their crops.
 
In Chilmari upazila, farmer Saju Mia from the Gabertal area expressed his concerns, stating, "Due to the wind, some of our fields have been lying on the ground. We are very worried." Another farmer, Aminul Islam, echoed these fears, noting, "If this continues for a long time, there is a risk of damage. There is also a possibility of these Aman rice being cheetah."
 
According to Phulbari Upazila Agriculture Officer Nilufa Yachmin, Aman paddy is cultivated on 11,350 hectares in her area. She confirmed that assessments are ongoing to determine the extent of the damage caused by the storm.
 
Abdullah Al Mamun, Deputy Director of the Kurigram Agricultural Extension Department, reassured farmers that although some cultivated land has suffered from the adverse weather, significant damage is not expected. He noted that this season, Aman rice has been planted on 120,515 hectares of land across the district.
 
As the community waits for further assessments, farmers remain hopeful that their crops will withstand the aftermath of Cyclone Dana and that the impacts will be minimal.
END/MIB/RH/