RAJSHAHI, April 15, (V7N) — Farmers in Tanore upazila of Rajshahi are struggling under an intense heat wave during the final days of Chaitra, as scorching sun disrupts agricultural work and daily life across the Barendra region.
Agricultural disruption

Potato harvesting and Boro paddy planting are in full swing, but workers are being forced to leave the fields by midday. Farmers say irrigation and crop maintenance are becoming increasingly difficult, with many considering shifting work to nighttime hours.
Voices from the fields

Jahangir, a farmer from Dhantayar village, said the heat was unbearable even while traveling by bike: “The sun burns my face. Workers start early but cannot continue after 1 pm.”

Hasan Ali, an agricultural worker, explained: “I was supposed to work until 3 pm, but I had to leave the field. I’ll return in the afternoon when the sun is less fierce.”

Naikya Tudu, a female worker from a small ethnic community, said: “We now start at 6 am and finish by 2 pm. The sun is too strong, but we must keep working.”

Market and transport impact

Public presence in markets like Thana Mor has dropped sharply between 1 pm and 3:30 pm. Vendors such as guava seller Liton reported declining sales as people avoid the streets. Auto‑van drivers like Tayyab said passenger numbers and fares have fallen due to the heat.
Farmers’ concerns

Workers tending to Boro rice, including Khairul and Mustafa, said their bodies are burning and thirst remains unquenched despite frequent water breaks. Farmer Shakir noted that irrigation work is nearly impossible during the day, while Solaiman added that the heat after 1 pm makes fieldwork unbearable.
Regional challenge

Rajshahi’s Barendra region, already known as drought‑prone, is facing heightened stress as the heat wave coincides with peak agricultural activity. Farmers warn that if temperatures persist, productivity and livelihoods will suffer significantly.

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