Aman paddy and winter vegetables sown in 103 upazilas of 16 districts were damaged by recent cyclonic storm ‘Bulbul’ causing a loss of Tk 263cr 5 lakh, according initial government reports. “At least 50,503 farmers were affected by cyclone ‘Bulbul’ in 16 districts. The cyclone caused financial loss of Taka 263 crore 5 lakh,” Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque yesterday told a press conference at the ministry conference room to brief about losses of crops based on an initial report received by the ministry. “289,006 hectares of land were damaged, which accounts for 14 per cent of the country’s total farmlands,” the minister said adding that cyclone ‘Bulbul’ affected farmers will be rehabilitated soon as the ministry has receives acclamation from the finance ministry.

Some 72,212 metric tons of crops were destroyed by the cyclonic storm and 22,836 hectares of non-agricultural land was also damaged, he added. The briefing was organised centering the report that exhibited potential damage on various croplands especially in coastal districts across the country which were affected by the cyclone ‘Bulbul’ from November 9 to 10.

The ministry is going to adopt an agricultural rehabilitation programme in the affected areas shortly, after receiving allocation

from the Finance Ministry, said the minister, adding that the incumbent government will always stand beside the farmers.

“Bangladesh is a disaster prone country as it is situated in delta geographically. The country witnessed frequent tidal surges, storms and was affected by the worst cyclones in the history,” the minister explained.

The districts which were mostly affected by the ‘Bulbul’ were Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Narail, Barishal, Bhola, Potuakhali, Barguna, Pirojpur, Jhalakati, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Shariatpur, Noakhali, Feni and Laxmipur,

he said.

Amon paddy, winter vegetables, mustard, chickling-pea, mung bean and betel leaf were damaged in 289,006 hectares of land, the minister added.

Among the damaged farmlands, the minister said Ropa Aman crops were on 233,574 hectares of land, winter vegetables 16,884 hectares, mustards 1,476 hectares, khesari pulse 31,088 hectares, lentils 195 hectares, betel leafs 2,663 hectares and others 3,126 hectares.

MK