Natore Correspondent :
Patkua has been used for irrigation in Baraigram of Natore. Patkuas have been set up in six areas of the upazila during this Rabi season. The farmers of the area think that the use of the Patkua is suitable for conserving ground water and rain water. As it is an Agriculturally Dependent area, farmers often face water crisis in their agricultural activities while cultivating rabi crops. Farmers in the area, including the Barind Development Authority, have expressed hope that the development of technology will contribute significantly to overcome the water crisis.
According to the Baraigram Barindra Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) office,
A well is dug in a circular shape to lower level of groundwater, and the leaking water is retained from all around in the well. The stored water in the well is pumped to the header tank by a solar powered motor by installing solar panels. The raised water in the header tank is supplied on the crop land through the outlet pipe. The 115-foot-deep pit is 40 inches in diameter. 16 solar panels were installed in it.
75 to 90 thousand liters of water can be supplied daily through the well. Where it is possible to cultivate crops in up to 30 bighas of land.
Jahangir Alam of Kalikapur village, Mansur Ali of Bhabanipur village and Shri Basant Kumar of Natabaria village said, “We have started using Patkua.” In this case, I do not see any shortage of water in cultivation at present. However, I think we will get 100% benefit by using this technology.
Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Assistant Engineer, Baraigram Barindra Development Project, said that Patkua was built on relatively high ground. Where there is no doubt of water accumulation. The advantage of Patkua is that water is not charged from any farmer here. It is very fruitful in dry season. The farmer-friendly government is making new irrigation arrangements for the farmers. The soils of the upazila are partially suitable for Patkua. At present there is excitement among the farmers of the area. We are hopeful that they will use it properly in the area.
