DHAKA, Bangladesh — A prolonged diesel shortage combined with widespread power outages has crippled irrigation systems across Bangladesh, placing the country’s crucial boro rice harvest at risk, farmers and officials said.
Thousands of irrigation pumps have stopped functioning in key agricultural regions, including Rajshahi, Cox’s Bazar, Barishal, Jamalpur, Mymensingh, Rangpur, Khulna, Cumilla, Munshiganj and Gopalganj, as farmers struggle to secure both fuel and electricity during a critical stage of crop growth.
The disruption comes at a sensitive period for boro cultivation, when consistent irrigation is essential for grain formation. Agricultural experts warn that any prolonged interruption could significantly reduce yields.
In Rajshahi, only 8 to 10 of the region’s 46 fuel stations are supplying diesel on a daily basis, triggering long queues of farmers—some waiting overnight. Many report paying 15 to 20 taka above the government-set price per litre in informal markets.
“We can only buy small amounts of diesel, which run the machines for a few hours, while our fields need irrigation for much longer,” said a local farmer.
Officials at Padma Oil Company Limited said overall supply levels remain close to previous volumes, but demand has surged sharply. Distribution has also been disrupted by logistical constraints, with fuel transport increasingly reliant on more expensive road routes instead of rail.
In Cox’s Bazar, more than 4,200 irrigation pumps are reportedly out of operation due to diesel shortages. With nearly 70 percent of irrigation systems dependent on diesel, around 25,000 hectares of farmland are facing inadequate water supply.
“More than half of the pumps are not functioning properly due to fuel shortages,” said a senior agriculture official in the district, warning of significant crop losses if the situation persists.
Barishal, another major rice-producing region, is also under pressure. Of its roughly 74,000 diesel-powered irrigation pumps, many are struggling to operate despite a daily demand exceeding 500,000 litres of fuel. Officials say uninterrupted irrigation must be maintained until mid-May to meet production targets.
In Jamalpur, farmers have been lining up at fuel stations since dawn, often returning without diesel. Fields in several areas have begun to dry out, and young rice plants are showing signs of stress.
Conditions in Rangpur have become particularly severe, with large tracts of farmland cracking under intense heat due to lack of irrigation. Authorities warn that production targets for more than 132,000 hectares of boro cultivation may not be achieved if fuel supplies are not restored quickly.
The crisis has been exacerbated by frequent load-shedding across the country. Electrically powered irrigation systems have also been rendered ineffective during prolonged outages, leaving farmers with limited alternatives.
Agriculture experts say the next 10 to 15 days will be critical. Without immediate intervention to stabilize diesel supply and ensure reliable electricity, Bangladesh risks a substantial drop in rice production, potentially affecting national food reserves and market stability.
Government officials say efforts are underway to improve fuel distribution, but uncertainty persists among farmers as they attempt to safeguard crops during one of the most crucial phases of the growing season.
