Shawdesh desk:

Bangladesh is currently grappling with an extreme heatwave that has persisted for over two weeks, wreaking havoc on crops, seasonal fruits, livestock, and fish farming.

The prolonged drought threatens to undermine expectations for a good harvest, with farmers already struggling to manage the damage to standing crops and mounting irrigation expenses.

The lack of normal rainfall has increased production costs and put additional strain on the agricultural sector.

According to official statistics, the heatwave has exceeded 14 days, with the extreme weather conditions causing significant declines in agriculture and construction sectors.

This disruption is likely to impact infrastructure construction and reduce crop yields. Crops such as maize, soybean, and cotton are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, with lower production rates contributing to rising prices in local and global markets.

Badal Chandra Biswas, Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), confirmed that the heatwave has had a detrimental effect on crops and seasonal fruits.

He advised farmers to maintain water levels of two to three inches in their boro fields to protect the paddy until the grain becomes strong. Mango, litchi, and jackfruit growers have also been advised to water their trees and spray water on branches and leaves when necessary.

The heatwave currently affects 49 districts in Bangladesh, prompting further recommendations for mulching in vegetable fields to protect them from drought.

Livestock and fish farming have not been spared, with many broiler farm owners reporting losses as chickens succumb to heatstroke.

Litchi fruits have suffered significant sunburn, while mango crops are wilting under the pressure of the intense drought. Local sources also report that water scarcity has led to cracks in litchi fruits.

Farmers are increasingly reliant on irrigation to compensate for the lack of normal rainfall, leading to higher production costs as more irrigation is required compared to previous years.

Fisheries scientists and specialists warn that the ongoing heatwave poses a serious threat to fish species, especially smaller ones. With water bodies drying up in many areas, the survival of these species is at risk.

As the extreme heatwave continues to impact various sectors across Bangladesh, urgent measures are needed to mitigate the damage and protect the livelihoods of those dependent on agriculture, livestock, and fish farming.