Bangladesh Agriculture News | April 6, 2025
Southern Bangladesh is currently enduring an extended drought that has persisted since November 2024, putting the region’s vital Rabi crop production at risk. The prolonged dry spell, which has affected the entire country, has hindered normal crop growth and casts doubt over meeting yield targets, as reported by farmers and agricultural officials.
Crops Suffering in the Dry Spell
In Patuakhali, one of the most affected districts, farmers are witnessing a distressing scene in open fields where mung beans, maize, chili peppers, and groundnuts are cultivated. Although some crops have begun to show fruiting, the overall production is being severely compromised by the ongoing heat and lack of rainfall.
Farmers describe their fields as completely dry due to the absence of rain. Md. Belal Mridha, a farmer from Machuakhali village in the Dashmina upazila (sub-district) of Patuakhali, explained, “The mung plants are upright, yet they are not producing pods. Even on the few plants that do form pods, the fruits are undernourished because of the prolonged lack of rain.”
Chili growers face similar challenges. Babul Shikder, another local farmer, noted, “My chili plants are drying up due to the dry conditions. Some peppers turn red and fall off before they ripen. If the rain does not come soon, our yields will be severely affected, and market prices for mung beans and chili are expected to soar.”
Yield Targets and Economic Concerns
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Patuakhali had set an ambitious target of 120,000 metric tons of mung beans for the season. This target is based on cultivation across 88,000 hectares. However, officials now worry that if the dry spell persists, the yield may fall short of expectations.
“If the current drought continues, our production targets will likely not be met,” stated Mohammad Nazrul Islam, Deputy Director of the DAE in Patuakhali. “Rain was critical for the proper development of mung beans over a month ago, but March passed without any rainfall.”
Maize cultivation in the district spans 2,500 hectares, with a production target of 25,000 metric tons (assuming 10 tons per hectare). Additionally, farmers are aiming to produce 62,000 metric tons of Aus paddy over 15,500 hectares at an expected yield of 4 tons per hectare. The ongoing drought, however, is hampering seedbed preparations, which depend heavily on timely rains.
“The lack of rainfall is not only affecting mung beans but also maize and Aus paddy. Farmers cannot prepare proper seedbeds without adequate moisture,” added Nazrul Islam.
Unprecedented Weather Conditions
In addition to the drought, Patuakhali is experiencing unusual weather patterns. During the day, temperatures soar, but after sunset, a noticeable drop in temperature occurs, bringing cooler conditions at night. This shift is so pronounced that many residents now sleep under blankets—a stark contrast to previous seasons.
Fog has also made an unexpected appearance during the early morning hours, further highlighting the irregular weather. Md. Amjed Mridha, a 70-year-old resident from Boro Gopaldi village, remarked, “I have never witnessed weather like this. Previously, we would sleep outside despite the heat, but now we are forced to bundle up indoors. It feels as though we are in an entirely different era.”
Meteorologist Tariful Newaz Kabir commented on the situation, “We are in a transitional phase after the departure of winter. Typically, southwesterly winds would moderate the heat by now, but their absence has contributed to these extreme conditions. As a coastal region, Patuakhali experiences rapid cooling at night, leading to fog formation.”
Kabir expressed cautious optimism for the near future, adding, “We expect rainfall across Patuakhali and other parts of the country after April 10, which could help mitigate some of the current challenges.”
Implications for the Local Economy
The economic ramifications of this prolonged drought could be significant. With reduced yields, the projected production values are at risk. For instance, the targeted mung bean production, if achieved, would be valued at approximately BDT 1.45 billion [~USD 11.96 million] based on current market rates. A shortfall in production could severely impact local livelihoods and result in higher market prices, further straining the rural economy.
Official data from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department indicates that Patuakhali recorded a minimum temperature of 24.9°C on Saturday, with a maximum of 35°C on Friday. Notably, March witnessed below-average rainfall nationwide, compounding the challenges faced by farmers.
Looking Ahead
As the region waits in anticipation of the expected April rains, both the government and local farming communities remain on alert. The coming weeks are critical; timely rainfall could alleviate some of the adverse effects of the drought, while further delays may have lasting impacts on the agricultural output and the broader economy of southern Bangladesh.
In the meantime, agricultural officials continue to monitor weather forecasts and advise farmers to prepare for potential disruptions. With the stakes so high, the successful harvest of this season’s Rabi crops remains uncertain, underscoring the urgent need for effective water management and contingency planning in the face of climate variability.
