Newspapers yesterday reported that farmers in haor areas are now feeling slightly relaxed after laboureres from other districts started going there for Boro rice harvesting. Country’s haor area is known as the biggest supplier of rice. This year, the farmers are expecting a bumper harvest of rice, barring any natural calamities. Usually, the labourers by the hundreds come from various districts harvesting crops every year. But this year, the scenario is totally different. The farmers of four haor upazilas of Netrokona district were in fear of losing their rice due to a lack of labourers following countrywide shutdown. In many areas, the law enforcement agencies are requested not to intercept any vehicles carrying labourers who were heading towards haor or other areas for harvesting rice. Though several hundred workers somehow have reportedly managed to go there from Mymensingh, Tangail, Sirajganj, Kushtia, Pabna and some other districts, their number was fewer compared to previous years.
On the other hand, the farmers are paying them higher than usual. The amount is around Tk 600-700 per day per person. The fact is that the farmers will have to face a big amount of financial lose if there is a little late in harvesting crops. But one thing, we like to draw attention of the authorities concerned — as it wouldn’t be possible for the labourers to maintain social distancing rules during the harvesting period, they must be resided at some secured places under the supervision of district health officials. Side by side, the district health officials must ensure that the labourers are also obeying other health rules to prevent infection of deadly coronavirus. We know there is no other alternative but to harvesting rice to keep rolling wheel of rural economy and to ensure food security. Proper storing of rice is another important thing.
If the shutdown period prolongs, the dishonest traders will further take advantage by hiking the prices of rice. Already prices of rice have been increased in the wholesale and retail markets. Special attention of the government is very much needed in this regard.
