Post-Flood Farming Spurs Economic Recovery in Northern Char Lands

Following the recession of floodwaters, northern rivers including the Teesta, Dharla, Saniyajan, and Brahmaputra had left behind desert-like lands. However, the deposition of fertile silt has transformed the sandy soil into productive sandy loam, triggering a cultivation boom across the river chars of Northern Bangladesh and fueling hopes for economic recovery.

The fertile Teesta char lands are highly conducive to farming, often allowing crops to flourish with minimal chemical fertilizers. The northern region comprises around 786 chars across eight districts, where agricultural officials have set a cultivation target of 36,911 hectares this season, aiming to produce 362,000 metric tons of various crops.

Officials say successful harvests from the chars are crucial for local residents, with one season's yield often sustaining families for an entire year. The total output from these 786 chars is expected to generate Taka 200 crore in income.

Cultivation is concentrated in districts including Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Kurigram, Gaibandha, and Nilphamari, particularly along the Teesta River chars. The Agriculture Department is actively supporting farmers with technical assistance and incentives, including help for those affected by recent floods.

Farmers are engaged in intensive planting, growing a variety of crops such as potato, eggplant, chili, spring onion, ginger, garlic, beans, coriander, carrot, cabbage, cauliflower, radish, gourd, wheat, sesame, mustard, and maize. Officials note that the fertile silt ensures good yields, contributing to anticipated bumper harvests annually.

Hossain Mia of Ichli Char in Gangachara shared that he has cultivated potato on three bighas, eggplant on three bighas, and coriander on 20 decimals, expecting a profit of Taka 1.5 lakh this season if yields are good. Other local farmers reported anticipated earnings of Taka 60,000–70,000 from their plots.

Despite fertile soils and expected high yields, farmers face significant challenges that limit profits. Abdullah Al Hadi, Chairman of Laskanitari Union Parishad, noted that while the Teesta char area has become an agricultural hub, farmers struggle with lack of storage, processing facilities, and poor transport infrastructure, preventing efficient market access. Gangachara currently has only one cold storage facility, while at least two to three are needed.

Dr Tuhin Wadud, a professor at Begum Rokeya University, observed that farmers regularly see bumper yields but fail to get fair prices due to inadequate communication networks. He suggested that dredging the Teesta and other rivers could expose more char lands, boosting production and easing the financial challenges of northern communities.

The post-flood agricultural revival in northern char lands is now seen as a key driver of local economic recovery, though experts emphasize the need for better infrastructure and support to fully realise the sector’s potential.