RAJSHAHI, April 26, (V7N) — Farmers in the northwestern districts are facing mounting losses as the price of paddy has dropped by Tk 300–400 per maund in just one month, driven by the ongoing fuel crisis and transport disruptions.

The shortage of fuel, linked to the Iran war, has reduced truck and covered van movement, raising rental costs and slowing shipments of agricultural products. Farmers say traders from outside districts are no longer coming to local markets, while even small vehicles are unavailable for hire.

At Kesharhat market in Mohanpur, Abu Bakkar said: “Where per maund paddy was earlier sold for Tk 1,500–1,600, now it is being sold for Tk 1,200–1,300. The price of fine paddy has also come down. As a result, we are facing financial losses.”

Rice mill owners in Rajshahi, Naogaon, and Chapainawabganj have reduced purchases, unable to transport rice to Dhaka and other regions. Rafiqul Islam, president of the Rajshahi Rice Mill Owners Association, said higher transport rents are worsening the situation, further depressing paddy prices.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, 2.15 crore metric tons of paddy were produced in the last Aman season, with 9 million tons coming from Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions. Naogaon, Rajshahi, Bogra, and Dinajpur remain the largest producers, hosting more than 400 automatic rice mills.

Dr. Azizur Rahman, Director of the Agricultural Information Division, acknowledged stagnation in transport but expressed hope for improvement soon. He noted that not only paddy but also vegetables and other crops have seen declines due to the crisis.

Al Amin Sarkar, president of the Rajshahi Truck and Covered Van Owners Association, confirmed that vehicle movement has decreased significantly, affecting the flow of goods across the region.

END/RAR/RH/