Lalmonirhat farmers face mounting losses amid falling crop prices

Farmers in Lalmonirhat are facing growing financial hardship as falling market prices for paddy, potatoes, onions and tobacco continue to erode profits despite rising production costs. 
Agricultural experts warn that if the situation persists, many farmers may lose interest in cultivation, posing a serious threat to the district's rural economy.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Lalmonirhat's economy, with thousands of families depending on farming for their livelihoods. However, farmers say they are struggling to recover production costs as prices for major crops remain well below profitable levels.
At present, agricultural labourers engaged in paddy harvesting earn between Tk700 and Tk750 per day, while one maund of paddy is selling for only Tk800 to Tk850 in local markets. Farmers allege that middlemen are taking advantage of weak market conditions by purchasing paddy at low prices, leaving producers with minimal returns.
Belal Hossain, a farmer from Rajpur Union in Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila, said the costs of fertiliser, seed, irrigation and labour have increased significantly over the past few years.
“Production costs have risen sharply, but we are not receiving fair prices for our crops,” he said. “Many farmers who borrowed money to cultivate their land are now struggling to repay their debts.”
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Boro paddy was cultivated on 48,110 hectares of land in Lalmonirhat this year, exceeding the target by 110 hectares. Officials also reported a satisfactory harvest.
Dr Saikhul Arifin, deputy director of the DAE in Lalmonirhat, said farmers could minimise losses by properly drying their paddy and selling it through government procurement programmes.

Potato growers suffer heavy losses

Potato farmers in Lalmonirhat have also faced significant losses this season. Growers reported purchasing fertiliser at inflated prices during the Rabi season due to supply shortages and market irregularities.
Farmers estimate that potato production costs ranged between Tk13 and Tk16 per kilogram, while market prices fell to as low as Tk8 per kilogram during the peak harvesting period.
As a result, many growers have been unable to recover their investment, adding to financial pressures in the farming community.

Onion farmers hit by price collapse

Despite favourable weather and strong yields, onion farmers have also been affected by low market prices.
Farmers said onions were sold for between Tk200 and Tk300 per maund during the peak season, far below expectations. The sharp decline in prices left many producers facing losses despite a bumper harvest.
Government procurement yet to influence market
Paddy harvesting, threshing and drying activities are progressing smoothly across Lalmonirhat. However, farmers say the benefits of a good harvest have been undermined by weak market prices.
Although the government began procuring paddy on 3 May and fixed the purchase price at Tk36 per kilogram, farmers claim the programme has had little impact on local market conditions. Many also cite administrative complications that discourage direct sales to government warehouses.
Farmers argue that inadequate market monitoring and the influence of middlemen continue to suppress prices at the producer level.

Tobacco farmers voice concerns

Tobacco cultivation remains an important source of income for many farming households in Lalmonirhat. Tobacco companies provide growers with seeds, fertiliser, pesticides and financial assistance, encouraging widespread cultivation across the district.
However, farmers allege that companies fail to offer fair prices for cured tobacco leaves despite rising demand and increasing retail prices of tobacco products.
Many marginal farmers claim they are forced to sell their produce at prices determined by company buyers, leaving little room for negotiation. Some have accused tobacco companies of operating through syndicated purchasing systems that reduce competition and undermine farmers' bargaining power.