The re-excavation work of about 35 km of canals in Khulna is ongoing in order to facilitate irrigation and boost the agricultural production of the district.
Local sources said fallow lands in several upazilas of the district are being brought under cultivation as the re-excavation work of the canals has started.
Due to the prolonged absence of canal re-excavation, most of the canals in Khulna's nine upazilas became clogged. Waterlogging occurs during the rainy season due to the inability to drain water from beels (waterbody). Additionally, the lack of irrigation in the dry season severely hampered the agricultural production.
According to the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) Khulna regional office, urgent canal re-excavation is being carried out in the district. In the fiscal year 2022-23, 22 kilometres of canal were reexcavated in Batiaghata Upazila. 520 hectares of agricultural land are receiving irrigation and drainage facilities following this re-excavation work.
Furthermore, in the fiscal year 2023-24, 20 kilometres of the work is underway for 12 canals in Terokhada Upazila. Upon completion of the work, approximately 1,520 hectares of agricultural land in this upazila will receive irrigation and drainage facilities.
Reexcavation work for five canals in Dighalia Upazila, totalling 12 kilometres, is near completion. Upon completion, approximately 460 hectares of agricultural land will receive irrigation and drainage facilities in this area. Additionally, re-excavation work is also underway to restore a 1.5-kilometre canal in Rupsha Upazila.
Sources said that farmers in Batiaghata Upazila achieved good yields cultivating watermelon and Boro paddy using water from canals after excavation. However, there are allegations of improper canal depth.
Several farmers in Dighalia Upazila said that the canals of this area were not maintained for 35 to 40 years. Hence, waterlogging occurs during the rainy season. Production of paddy, vegetables and fish was affected.
In the dry season, the lack of water affected Boro and Aman paddy and vegetable production. Farmers are now hopeful that canal re-excavation will alleviate waterlogging and facilitate irrigation.
Farmers in Batiaghata Upazila said that they have successfully cultivated Boro paddy using canal water and achieved bumper yield.
Md Mehedi Hasan, agricultural extension officer of Dighalia Upazila, said that they proposed 18 canal excavations. Among them, work for five canals is underway. “Previously, waterlogging caused by the inability to drain water from beels had been affecting the agricultural system. With the completion of re-excavation work for these five canals, farmers will be able to cultivate vegetables alongside Boro and Aman paddy even in the dry season,” he said.
Shiuli Mojumdar, the agricultural officer of Terokhada Upazila, said that they proposed 25 canal re-excavations, out of which 12 have been approved. “Canal re-excavation work is underway in Modhupur and Bhuter beels. Upon completion of the re-excavation, production of Aman, Boro, and Aush paddy will increase, along with an increase in vegetable cultivation. Additionally, farmers will be able to cultivate an extra 2,600 bighas of land.
BADC Khulna office Executive Engineer Jamal Faruk said that 19 canal excavations are underway in four upazilas of Khulna district in the current fiscal year. Owners of land more than 2,000 hectares will be benefited.
“The project is ensuring the excavation of 19 canals in these upazilas. Already, 85 per cent of the work is completed for five canals in Dighalia Upazila and the remaining work will be completed soon,” he added.
