DFNet

September 03, 2024 | Mongabay |

In mid-western Bangladesh, farmers are increasingly converting rice and wheat fields into fruit orchards, primarily mango, lychee, and papaya, due to severe water shortages. The High Barind Tract—comprising Rajshahi, Chapai Nawabganj, and Naogaon—has experienced declining rainfall, prompting this shift. Farmers like Raihan Kabir Ranju note that orchards require significantly less water compared to traditional crops; for example, an acre of papaya needs only a tenth of the water required for boro rice and can yield 50% more profit.

This transformation is a response to the region's depleted groundwater levels and rising temperatures, which have hindered conventional agriculture. Despite the financial benefits of cultivating fruit, experts warn that this shift could threaten national food security as arable land for cereal production diminishes. 

The Barind Multipurpose Development Authority has attempted to manage irrigation sustainably but noted significant drops in groundwater levels, prompting rationing measures. Farmers are encouraged to adopt less water-intensive crops, but many are opting for fruit orchards instead, raising concerns about future cereal production and the region's overall agricultural viability.

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