June 3 ( V7N Pirojpur )- The coastal region of Pirojpur in southern Bangladesh has been ravaged by the powerful Gharni storm, Remal, resulting in significant damage to agricultural properties and resources of local farmers.
 
Between May 26th and 27th, Remal unleashed sustained gusty winds and relentless rainfall, causing rivers and low-lying areas to swell with 8 to 10 feet of water. The prolonged duration of the storm, surpassing that of Cyclone Sidor in 2007, indicates a higher magnitude of damage to agricultural assets.
 
Farmers, grappling with the loss of crops, livestock, orchards, and vegetable gardens, as well as burdened with loans from banks and NGOs, are seeking assistance from various quarters.
 
The absence of sustainable embankments along the Baleshwar River has exacerbated the loss of agricultural wealth in the area, washing away valuable resources.
 
In Mathbaria, Various Fruit Orchards, Vegetables, and Other Crops Suffer Extensive Damage.
 
According to official estimates from the Mathbaria Upazila Agricultural Resource Office, the agricultural loss in Mathbaria amounts to Tk. 486 million, impacting 4,860 farmer families.
 
The prolonged inundation of rivers has delayed water drainage post-flooding, exacerbating the situation.
 
Local residents like teacher Machum Gazi and engineer Mahmudul Hasan recount significant losses, with over two lakh rupees worth of fruit trees uprooted from their 1.32-acre land.
 
Mathbaria Agriculture Officer Md. Moniruzzaman emphasizes the need for agricultural incentives to rehabilitate resources, including provision of fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, and training in agricultural practices. He underscores the importance of removing unplanned dams in canals to facilitate water flow and ensure crop growth.
 
Deputy Director of Agriculture in Pirojpur District, Md. Nazrul Islam, told Voice7 News, has reported a total agricultural loss of over Tk 88 crores. He advocates for technical assistance and counseling to aid in crop recovery, incentives for Aman production, distribution of seedlings, and implementation of training programs.
 
Assuring support, Mathbaria Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Abdul Qayyum, pledges assistance in restoring agricultural resources and livelihoods.
 
END/V7N/RZP/DK/