Irrigation in peril as diesel supply runs dry in Natore

A prolonged diesel shortage in Bagatipara upazila of Natore has left farmers in distress, raising fears of irrigation disruption and potential crop losses during the ongoing Rabi season.

Farmers reliant on diesel-powered irrigation pumps have been unable to operate their equipment for nearly 14 days due to a halt in fuel supply. The crisis has also disrupted threshing activities and small engine-powered transport, affecting livelihoods across the upazila. According to local sources, diesel is usually distributed through four dealer points, while many rely on street vendors who source fuel from these dealers. However, dealers have not received fresh supplies for over two weeks, leaving pumps dry and creating a severe fuel crisis.

The Upazila Agriculture Office said 568 hectares of land have been cultivated with Boro paddy this season, of which around 300 hectares depend on diesel-powered irrigation. In addition, threshing of Rabi crops cultivated on thousands of hectares, including wheat (5,290 ha), mustard (450 ha), lentils (660 ha) and khesari, also relies heavily on diesel-run machinery.

Farmers said the situation is becoming critical. Malek Ali, a farmer from Panka union, said regular irrigation is essential for paddy fields, but pumps have remained idle due to a lack of fuel. “If this continues, the crops will be severely damaged,” he warned, adding that travelling to the district headquarters to collect fuel is costly and difficult for marginal farmers.

He also expressed concern over delays in harvesting Rabi crops, noting that possible storms and rains in the upcoming days could cause significant losses if crops are not processed on time. Shahidul Islam, a small engine driver from Muradpur, said fuel scarcity has forced many drivers to suspend operations. “I visited four filling stations and managed only two litres from one place. Sometimes we buy at higher prices from retailers, but even that is uncertain,” he said.

Local dealer Fazlur Rahman, proprietor of M/s Mandal Traders in Biharkol Bazar, said no fuel consignments have arrived in the past two weeks, preventing him from supplying customers. He said the issue has been formally reported to the upazila administration and forwarded to higher authorities, including Jamuna Oil Company, but no resolution has yet been received.

Bagatipara Upazila Agriculture Officer Bhabasindhu Roy acknowledged the crisis, saying it has been reported to higher authorities. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) also said the matter is being treated with urgency, and steps are underway to restore fuel supply as quickly as possible.