Rajshahi, 3 March 2025 (BSS): The Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) has launched a hotline to enhance irrigation services and resolve existing issues for farmers in the Barind region.
The BMDA, the country’s largest state-owned irrigation provider, is managing 16,715 deep tube wells across 16 districts in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions during the current Boro season. These wells irrigate nearly 3.3 million hectares of land.
BMDA Chairman Dr. Mohammad Asad Uzzaman stated that over a million farmers can use the hotline (01336-426330) to lodge irrigation-related complaints.
To address these complaints promptly, six district-specific committees have been formed.
Asad Uzzaman also highlighted that infrastructure developments and irrigation expansion in the region are resulting in an additional 12.35 million tonnes of crop production annually.
BMDA’s Additional Chief Engineer Jahangir Alam Khan shared that nearly 1.036 million hectares of land are being irrigated this season, benefiting 10.62 million farmers. So far, 15,828 deep tube wells have been installed.
The BMDA has also constructed a 15,895.06 km long irrigation distribution system, drilled 650 wells, installed 576 electric low-lift pumps, and 450 solar-powered pumps.
Moreover, the BMDA has alleviated waterlogging on 13,057 hectares of land, dredged 4,257 km of abandoned canals, and built 778 cross-dams to improve irrigation success.
Through proper irrigation, solar-powered pumps have been installed in wetlands across Naogaon and Rajshahi districts, and overhead tanks have been set up for 1,592 remote families.
In this drought-prone region, approximately 25.8 million trees have been planted to reduce carbon emissions. Moreover, 149,000 farmers have received essential training to improve crop yields.
Farmers in the region, like Ataur Rahman from Godagari, Rajshahi, have reported increased income due to irrigation, with crop yields soaring from 15-20 quintals per acre to 80-90 quintals.
The success of these irrigation efforts has resulted in a silent revolution in crop production, with the expansion of irrigation transforming single-crop lands into triple-crop fields.
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