Across Bangladesh, an extraordinary transformation is underway. Once meandering waterways that nurtured abundant fish populations and defined the landscape are now drying up, leaving behind exposed riverbeds and newly formed char lands. In a bid to sustain their livelihoods, thousands of farmers are turning these barren riverbeds into thriving agricultural fields—a development that offers both promising economic opportunities and significant environmental challenges.
The Emergence of Char Lands Amid Dwindling Waters
In regions such as Nilphamari, once-vibrant internal rivers have lost their life‐giving waters. A recent report by the Water Development Board noted that 37 rivers—including Charalkata, Buriteesta, Burikhora, Dhum, Kumlai, Nawtara, Jamuneshwari, Noldanga, Ichhamoti, Kharkaria, Ulai, Deonai, Shalki, Dhaijan, Chikli, and others—now flow as little more than skeletal streams. Historically teeming with fish, these waterways have become “fishless,” leaving generations of fishing families in distress. Instead, vast stretches of the riverbeds have been reclaimed for agriculture. As one local resident, Shahinur Rahman, observed, “The Shalki River could be a blessing for the city if we use it to improve our drainage systems” (Source: Daily Observer).
Nilphamari Development Committee President Abu Musa Mahamudul Haq warns that as water disappears from these rivers, they are vanishing from maps altogether. “We are not just losing a waterway—we are erasing a part of our history, our environment, and our native fish species,” he stated, highlighting the trade-off between short-term agricultural gains and long-term ecological losses (Source: Daily Observer).
Regional Snapshots: Farming on the Banks
Nilphamari: From River to Rice Field
In Nilphamari, the drying of rivers has led to an unexpected phenomenon: expansive fields of Boro paddy now flourish on the char lands. Farmers are engaging in what might be considered a desperate yet innovative form of agriculture—cultivating rice on lands that once belonged solely to the river. However, this transformation comes at a steep price. With water scarcity hampering proper irrigation and river erosion a constant threat, farmers are forced to contend with challenging conditions. Md. Atikur Rahman, an executive engineer with the Nilphamari Water Development Division, attributes the dwindling water supply to irregular rainfall and inadequate upstream flows. “Without enough water, even the most fertile char lands cannot produce the yields they once did,” he explained (Source: Daily Observer).
Khoai River: Vegetable Gardens on Shifting Sands
In the border region of Habiganj, the Khoai River—originating in India’s Tripura state—has similarly transformed. During the dry season, high sandbars (chars) emerge along its banks, and they quickly become canvases for intensive vegetable cultivation. In areas such as Ubahata, Lenzapara, and Puranazar, between 20,000 and 25,000 farmers now grow a variety of crops ranging from paddy, mustard, and wheat to tomato, eggplant, and even radish.
Al Amin Mia of Alapura village is one such entrepreneur. After experimenting with radish cultivation, he reported an initial profit of approximately 25,000 BDT (around US$206) from his first harvest. Encouraged by his early success, he shifted to sweet pumpkin and other seasonal vegetables. In another part of the region, farmers Nurul Islam and Tajul Islam have reaped incomes of about one lakh BDT (roughly US$826) by cultivating cauliflower and cabbage on the char lands (Source: JagoNews24).
The vegetable boom, spurred in part by the economic disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, has created an unexpected ripple effect. As traditional jobs disappeared, many young people found renewed hope in agriculture. According to agricultural officer Sukanto Dhar in Shayestaganj Upazila, “The bumper yields this season are a testament to the resilience of our farmers—and a sign that with proper support, char land cultivation could be a permanent fixture in our agricultural landscape” (Source: JagoNews24).
Ishwardi in Pabna: Ancestral Lands Reborn
Further west along the mighty Padma, in Ishwardi of Pabna district, a remarkable revival is underway. Nearly 1,200 bigha of char land—once nothing more than shifting sandbanks—have been transformed into productive agricultural fields. In 2002, a sandbar known as Mollar Char emerged along the river. Initially a barren stretch, it soon attracted farmers who, by 2007, began cultivating a variety of crops on its nutrient-rich soils.
Farmer Ripon Molla, aged 58, cultivates about 50 bigha of land where he grows rice, wheat, lentils, and groundnuts. “These lands are our ancestral property. For decades, they were swallowed by the river. Now, they have returned to us—but not without challenges,” he explains. The logistics are difficult; narrow riverbanks and the absence of proper transportation mean that farmers often must rely on boats or laboriously cross the river to move their produce. His neighbor, Altaf Molla (60), recalls how entire communities were once uprooted when the river claimed their homes. “We lost everything, only to reclaim our land later. Today, we grow wheat, chickpeas, and lentils—and though the yields are good, the fear of erosion still looms large,” he laments (Source: Daily Ittefaq; Jagonews24).
The char lands along the Padma are also home to livestock. With around 35 cattle baths in the area, nearly 3,000 cows and buffaloes are reared on these lands, providing additional income to local families. Agriculture officer Mita Sarkar underscores the dual role of these lands: “Not only do they serve as a grain bank for the community, but they are also crucial for livestock farming. With proper project support, these areas could flourish even further” (Source: Daily Ittefaq).
Lakshmipur: The Vegetable Experiment
In Lakshmipur, the Meghna River’s char lands are rapidly evolving into vibrant vegetable gardens. In Char Ramani Mohon, farmers like Jashim Uddin have turned four acres of char into commercial vegetable farms. Over the past eight years, he has experimented with cultivating a variety of produce including cucumber, bitter gourd, and ridge gourd. His investment is significant—over six months, his operating costs reached nearly 1.2 million BDT (approximately US$9,901). Despite these costs, his returns have been promising. He sold cucumbers worth 5 lakh BDT (roughly US$4,123) and earned an additional 1 lakh BDT (about US$826) from his ridge gourd harvest. “If the weather holds, I expect to generate around 2 million BDT in revenue this season,” he projects (Source: Banglanews24).
Yet, not every farmer has the capital to invest on such a scale. Many remain cautious, limiting their operations to smaller plots. Assistant Agriculture Officer Clinton Das of Char Ramani Mohon admits that char land farming was largely an “unknown venture” until recent years. “With proper financial support and technical guidance, even small-scale farmers can succeed on these lands,” he assures (Source: Banglanews24).
Dinajpur: New Beginnings on Atrai’s Char Lands
The Dinajpur district offers another perspective on this phenomenon. In the banks of the Atrai River, along with 18 other dried-up waterways, fertile char lands are emerging as hubs for diversified crop production. In Khansama Upazila, 55 hectares of char land have been cultivated this season—with 45 hectares dedicated to Boro paddy, 3 hectares to onions, 1 hectare to sweet pumpkin, 4 hectares to maize, and 2 hectares to mustard. Farmers here report that char paddy, in particular, shows better resistance to diseases compared to conventional fields.
Local cultivators, such as Chhamir Uddin, have embraced this opportunity. “I don’t own any land, so I began farming on the char. Here, I grow rice, onions, and various vegetables. It’s not just about survival; it’s about building a future,” he remarks. Acting Upazila Agriculture Officer Habiba Akter highlights the positive impact on food production: “Char land cultivation is on par with, if not exceeding, the productivity of regular farmlands,” she states (Source: Daily Manabkantha).
Rajshahi: A Multifaceted Char Land Revolution
In Rajshahi district, the receding waters of the Padma have unveiled expansive char lands that are rapidly being transformed into agricultural powerhouses. Recent data indicates that 4,327 hectares of char land are under cultivation, with a diverse mix of crops: from onions and garlic to paddy, wheat, maize, lentils, and even vegetables like cabbage and broccoli. Farmers in areas such as Paba Upazila report that the process involves significant infrastructural challenges. “With the water receding early, we have to rely on shallow-well machines to pump water for irrigation. Despite these hurdles, our yields are strong, and incomes are rising,” explained Afaj Uddin, a local cultivator (Source: Bangla Tribune).
This surge in production is critical, especially in the context of a domestic shortfall in onion production. With dwindling local stocks and expensive imports from India—costing the nation dearly in foreign exchange—government efforts to boost production on char lands are more crucial than ever. Agricultural authorities have not only provided free seeds and fertilizers but have also initiated large-scale projects aimed at integrating these lands into the broader agricultural economy (Source: BanglaTribune).
Barisal and Bogura: Conflicts Between Commerce and Conservation
The story in Barisal offers a stark counterpoint to the agricultural success observed elsewhere. Once known for its scenic river vistas, the Sandha River in Barisal has suffered a double blow: environmental degradation and illegal occupation. In Agailjhara Upazila’s Poysar Hat, influential local groups have seized char lands along the river, converting them into rice fields. The once-thriving port of Poysar Hat now faces disruptions in boat services along the Dhaka– Poysar Hat route, raising alarm among local traders and residents alike. “If we do not restore the natural flow through dredging, the river’s legacy will be lost forever,” warns Executive Officer Abul Hashim (Source: Daily Janakantha).
In Bogura, meanwhile, the Jamuna River’s char lands have sparked what many are calling an agricultural revolution. After severe floods last year washed away existing crops, resilient farmers quickly reclaimed the newly exposed lands. In Sariakandi Upazila alone, over 16,733 hectares of char land are now under cultivation. Here, farmers grow an impressive array of crops—from chili and maize to paddy and wheat—transforming once-desolate sandbanks into thriving farms. Local agricultural officer Abdul Halim notes, “Despite the challenges posed by floods and irregular water supply, our farmers have turned these lands into sources of hope and prosperity” (Source: Samprotik Deshkal; news24bd.tv).
Economic Opportunities and Financial Realities
For many rural families, the cultivation of char lands has become an unexpected lifeline. The conversion of abandoned riverbeds into productive fields has opened up new revenue streams and provided employment in areas that once suffered from chronic poverty. However, the economic benefits are often juxtaposed with significant challenges.
In some instances, the profits can be substantial. As mentioned earlier, vegetable farmers in the Khoyai region have reported earnings of up to 1 lakh BDT (around US$826) per cycle from crops such as cauliflower and cabbage. Yet, initial investments can be steep. Jashim Uddin’s account from Lakshmipur is illustrative: with an outlay of nearly 1.2 million BDT (approximately US$9,901) over six months and subsequent earnings that he hopes will reach 2 million BDT (around US$16,500) in a full season, the stakes are high. Many farmers, however, operate on a smaller scale due to financial constraints. Even daily wages—for example, one worker might earn about 300 BDT per day (roughly US$2.47)—highlight the tight margins within which many rural households operate.
The variability in yield, coupled with challenges in transportation and labor shortages, often makes it difficult for farmers to maximize their profits. In Rajshahi, for instance, even though technological interventions such as shallow-well machines help manage irrigation, delays in planting and harvesting can lead to significant losses. “We see a mixed picture. While some farmers are flourishing, others struggle with the logistics and capital required to fully exploit these lands,” notes an agriculture extension officer in the region (Source: Bangla Tribune).
Environmental Concerns and the Future of Bangladesh’s Rivers
While the transformation of char lands into agricultural fields is a boon for local economies, it raises critical questions about environmental sustainability. The drying up of rivers—whether due to climate variability, upstream water mismanagement, or anthropogenic interventions like sand dredging—has severe ecological implications.
In Nilphamari and Barisal, the loss of water not only affects agricultural practices but also undermines local ecosystems. Native fish species, once abundant in these waterways, are now disappearing. This ecological imbalance has broader repercussions, as the rivers’ natural roles in sediment transport and nutrient distribution are compromised. “Every time a river dries up or its course is altered, we lose a part of our environmental heritage,” laments Abu Musa Mahamudul Haq (Source: Daily Observer).
Moreover, the illegal occupation of riverbanks and the unsanctioned extraction of sand have exacerbated the situation. In areas like Barisal, unregulated sand mining has led to severe bank erosion, further destabilizing the fragile char lands. Local authorities have been slow to respond, and in some cases, land grabbing by powerful local figures has thwarted attempts to restore natural river flows. Without comprehensive river management and environmental safeguards, experts warn that the current trend may lead to irreversible damage.
Government Response and Support Measures
Recognizing both the potential and the peril of char land cultivation, government agencies and local authorities have stepped in with a range of support measures. In Rajshahi, for example, agricultural extension services are actively promoting diversified crop cultivation on char lands, distributing free seeds, fertilizers, and technical advice to farmers. Initiatives aim to transform these lands into reliable sources of food and income, while also addressing the environmental challenges inherent in such a drastic land-use change.
Local administrations are also working to mediate disputes. In Dinajpur’s Khansama Upazila, boundary disputes between farmers have been resolved through coordinated efforts led by officials like Upazila Executive Officer Taz Uddin and OC Mozaharul Islam. “Our goal is to ensure that while farmers benefit from char cultivation, the process remains orderly and sustainable,” explains one local officer (Source: Daily Manabkantha).
Despite these efforts, many experts contend that government support must extend beyond immediate relief measures. “There is an urgent need for integrated water resource management,” argues an environmental analyst. “We must balance economic growth with the long-term health of our rivers and ecosystems. Without a holistic approach, today’s solutions may become tomorrow’s problems.”
Social Impact and Rural Transformation
The rise of char land agriculture is reshaping rural communities in profound ways. For many families, the emergence of productive fields on dried-up riverbeds represents a return to self-sufficiency and the reclamation of ancestral lands. In Ishwardi, farmers who once watched their homes and farms vanish beneath rising waters are now witnessing a rebirth of their heritage. “For decades, our family’s lands were lost to the river. Today, as we cultivate these fields, we feel that our legacy is being restored,” says Altaf Molla (Source: Ittefaq; Jagonews24)
The social transformation extends beyond the economic. In several regions, char farming has become a catalyst for community solidarity. Local agricultural cooperatives are forming to share resources, pool labor, and market produce collectively. Women, in particular, are emerging as key players in these ventures, taking on roles traditionally reserved for men in rural settings. This shift is fostering a renewed sense of empowerment and community cohesion, as residents collaborate to overcome the challenges posed by environmental and economic uncertainties.
Yet, the transformation is not without its conflicts. Disputes over land ownership, water rights, and the pace of development have occasionally led to tensions among communities. In Barisal and Bogura, for instance, the struggle between traditional riverine livelihoods and emerging agricultural interests has created friction. Local leaders emphasize the need for clear regulations and equitable resource distribution to ensure that the benefits of char cultivation are shared widely and sustainably.
Balancing Growth and Sustainability
The phenomenon of char land farming is emblematic of broader challenges facing Bangladesh. As climate change exacerbates water scarcity and alters hydrological patterns, the country’s rivers are increasingly under stress. The shift toward agriculture on exposed riverbeds reflects both the resilience of rural communities and the pressing need to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
On one hand, char farming has injected new life into regions that were once economically stagnant. The ability to transform barren sandbanks into productive agricultural fields is a testament to human ingenuity and adaptability. Farmers across Nilphamari, Habiganj, Pabna, Lakshmipur, Dinajpur, Rajshahi, Barisal, and Bogura have demonstrated that, with the right support, even the most challenging environments can yield substantial rewards.
On the other hand, the environmental costs of this transformation are significant. The drying of rivers, the loss of native biodiversity, and the degradation of natural water flows all point to a future in which economic development may come at the expense of ecological health. The unsustainable extraction of sand and the illegal occupation of riverbanks further complicate the picture, threatening to undermine the very resources on which rural communities depend.
The key challenge, therefore, lies in finding a balance—a way to harness the economic potential of char lands while safeguarding the environment for future generations. This will require coordinated efforts between government agencies, local communities, environmental experts, and development partners. Investment in sustainable irrigation practices, strict regulation of sand mining, and integrated water resource management are essential components of a strategy that can reconcile these sometimes conflicting priorities.
The Road Ahead
As Bangladesh grapples with the twin challenges of economic development and environmental sustainability, the story of char land farming offers both hope and caution. On one hand, the emergence of fertile fields on dried-up riverbeds has opened up new avenues for income, food production, and community resilience. On the other hand, the environmental degradation that accompanies the disappearance of traditional waterways serves as a stark reminder of what is at stake.
For many rural families, the cultivation of char lands is more than just an economic activity—it is a lifeline, a reclaiming of lost heritage, and a bold step toward a self-reliant future. Yet, without a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of river drying and enforces sustainable practices, this transformation may ultimately prove unsustainable.
As government officials, community leaders, and farmers work together to navigate this complex landscape, the need for integrated, forward-thinking policies has never been greater. Balancing short-term gains with long-term ecological health will be critical if Bangladesh is to ensure that its rivers—and the communities that depend on them—continue to thrive for generations to come.
In the end, the story of crops on dried rivers is not just about agricultural innovation. It is a narrative of adaptation, resilience, and the enduring human spirit in the face of environmental change. The challenge now lies in turning this innovation into a sustainable model that secures both economic prosperity and environmental integrity—a task that will require the collective effort of all stakeholders in Bangladesh’s agricultural future.
