Rajshahi Farmers Embrace Modern Irrigation to Combat Drought

Rajshahi, Bangladesh – Farmers in the Rajshahi region are increasingly turning to modern irrigation techniques to mitigate the effects of a prolonged dry spell that has threatened this year’s crop yields, according to local agricultural officials. The shift comes as the northwestern district, known for its mango and paddy production, faces its third consecutive year of below-average rainfall.

Agricultural extension officers report that over 1,500 farmers in the district have adopted drip irrigation and sprinkler systems since the start of the current Rabi season, a significant increase from previous years. The methods, which deliver water directly to plant roots or disperse it in fine droplets, help reduce water wastage by up to 60 percent compared to traditional flood irrigation. This is critical in Rajshahi, where groundwater levels have dropped by an average of 2.5 meters over the past decade due to over-extraction and reduced recharge.

“We have been struggling with erratic rains, and many farmers lost their crops last year,” said Md. Kamal Hossain, a farmer from the Paba Upazila who switched to drip irrigation for his potato and maize fields. “The new system uses less water and gives better yields. I have already seen a 20 percent increase in my harvest.” Officials say the technology is being promoted through government subsidies and training programs under the “Climate-Smart Agriculture” initiative, which aims to build resilience against climate change impacts.

The drought has also affected Rajshahi’s famous mango orchards. Mango growers, who account for a significant portion of the local economy, have been using micro-sprinklers to save their trees during the flowering season. “Without irrigation, many trees would have shed their flowers, leading to a poor harvest,” explained Dr. Shahnaz Begum, a horticulture specialist at Rajshahi University. “These methods are helping to maintain production despite the water shortage.”

However, challenges remain. The cost of installing modern irrigation systems can be prohibitive for small-scale farmers, with a basic drip setup for one bigha of land costing around 15,000 taka. While the government provides a 50 percent subsidy, many farmers still struggle to afford the initial investment. Additionally, maintenance of the equipment requires technical know-how that is not always available in remote areas.

“We are working to train local technicians and provide easy credit options through banks and NGOs,” said Md. Shahidul Islam, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Rajshahi. “Our goal is to ensure that every farmer can access these technologies, which are essential for food security in a changing climate.”

The Rajshahi region has seen a steady decline in rainfall over the past five years, with the Bangladesh Meteorological Department recording a 15 percent deficit in 2023 alone. Experts attribute this to broader climate change patterns affecting South Asia, including shifting monsoon patterns and increased temperatures. The situation has prompted the government to declare parts of the district as drought-prone areas, triggering additional support for affected communities.

International partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), have also provided assistance. Last month, the FAO distributed 500 modern irrigation kits to farmers in the region as part of a pilot project. “Rajshahi is a case study for how Bangladesh can adapt to water scarcity,” said FAO representative John Smith in a statement. “The adoption of efficient irrigation here could serve as a model for other drought-affected areas in the country.”

Local farmers remain cautiously optimistic. “We are learning to cope, but we need more support,” said Hossain. “If we can get the tools and training, we can keep our farms productive even in dry years.” As the dry season continues, the success of these efforts will be closely watched by agricultural planners across Bangladesh, where climate resilience is becoming an increasingly urgent priority.