Climate change is negatively impacting winter crop farming in Rajshahi, with changes in seasonal conditions posing threats to food production. There is an urgent need for measures that bolster agricultural output and protect farmers’ rights, as echoed by local farmers and agricultural experts.
Climate change continues to significantly impact agriculture in Rajshahi, leading to recurring natural disasters that threaten the cultivation of winter crops, such as vegetables. The changing duration and intensity of winter have posed challenges for farmers, necessitating immediate and effective measures to enhance agricultural production amidst these climatic adversities.
Abdur Rahim, a successful farmer from Bargachhi village, emphasized that rapid climate change is impacting the diversity of winter vegetable farming, which jeopardizes food production. He highlighted the importance of developed nations fulfilling their climate funding commitments and ensuring the transparency of fund allocation to support farmers.
Advocating for the protection of farmers’ rights, Rahim argued that acknowledging their contributions to agricultural progress is crucial for encouraging increased production to cater to growing needs. Shahidul Islam, a regional coordinator from BARCIK, voiced concerns that the agricultural system is increasingly vulnerable due to climate change and its associated natural disasters.
Highlighting the alarming effects of climate change on water resources and agriculture, particularly in the Barind region, Professor Chowdhury Sarwar Jahan from Rajshahi University reported that temperature fluctuations adversely influence crop yields. His research indicated a declining trend in cropland area for major crops, exacerbating vulnerability and food insecurity in drought-prone areas.
Professor Osman Gani Talukder, Vice-Chancellor of Varendra University, stressed the need for decisive action to alleviate climate change impacts on agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, which are critical to food production. Drought consequences like dust storms, malnutrition, and habitat degradation are increasingly evident, as stated by Professor Laila Arzuman Banu from Rajshahi University, who noted the reliance on deep tube-wells for irrigation in the drought-affected region.
The article focuses on the adverse impacts of climate change specifically on agriculture in the Rajshahi region of Bangladesh. It details how changes in climatic conditions, particularly during winter, threaten farming practices, especially for winter crops. Concerns raised by local farmers, agricultural experts, and university professors underscore the urgency for protective measures to enhance food security and farmer livelihoods despite alarming climatic fluctuations.
In conclusion, climate change poses a significant threat to winter agriculture in Rajshahi, adversely affecting crop yields and farmer livelihoods. Urgent measures, including fulfilling climate funding commitments and protecting farmers’ rights, are essential to mitigate these challenges. The need for decisive action is imperative in safeguarding food production and ensuring the sustainability of agricultural practices in the region.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
