BARGUNA, Aug 9 (V7N) — The re-excavation of five kilometres of two canals in Taltali upazila of Barguna has restored water flow and eased long-standing irrigation and waterlogging problems for thousands of farmers, creating fresh opportunities for agricultural production.

The Bigbargi and Bara Bhaijora canals were re-excavated under a nationwide canal restoration programme, according to the Upazila Project Implementation Office.

The project was implemented during the 2025–26 financial year under the Employment Generation Programme for the Poorest, overseen by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. The work cost Tk 1 crore 28 lakh 78 thousand 537.

The re-excavated section extends from the house of Mosharraf Hossain Khan in Chhaton Para of Bigbargi Union, passes through Khajura Culvert and reaches the house of Wazed Commissioner in Baler Tobok area of Chhotobaggi Union.

Local residents said the canals had gradually become obstructed because of encroachment, pollution and sediment accumulation. As a result, farmers faced severe shortages of irrigation water during the dry season and many could grow only one crop a year.

During the monsoon, inadequate drainage caused extensive waterlogging, submerging farmland and damaging crops. Poor road conditions also made it difficult for farmers to transport their produce to markets.

Following the re-excavation, farmers now have access to irrigation water at comparatively lower costs during the dry season, while improved drainage has reduced waterlogging during the rainy season.

Roads have also been developed along both sides of parts of the canals, while trees of various species have been planted along the banks. The initiatives are expected to improve local transport and the movement of agricultural goods while contributing to environmental conservation and greener surroundings.

Local farmers and workers Jabbar Sharif, Moazzem Mridha, Ripon Mridha and Dulal Hawladar said improved irrigation would allow them to cultivate crops two or three times a year instead of relying on a single harvest.

They said increased crop production could improve household incomes, while the canal project had also created employment opportunities for locally registered workers.

Sohel Akon, a member of Bigbargi Union Parishad, said the restoration of the canals could transform single-crop farmland into land capable of producing two or three crops annually.

“The project has created new opportunities in agriculture. It will increase production and help reduce unemployment. At the same time, local registered workers have benefited from employment opportunities created through the project,” he said.

Taltali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Zahidul Islam said the five-kilometre canal restoration would contribute to agricultural and fisheries development as well as the protection of local biodiversity.

He said tree planting along the canal banks was also being carried out to create an environmentally friendly green belt.

Local officials and farmers believe the restoration of water flow will strengthen agricultural production while improving drainage, supporting fisheries and contributing to the long-term environmental sustainability of the area.

END/MRR/SMA/