Jhalokathi, Dec 15 (V7N) – In North Pingri, Rajapur, miscreants have cut down over a hundred bottle gourd trees belonging to three local farmers, causing significant loss. The incident occurred on Sunday morning and has left the affected farmers shocked and distressed.

Nur Hossain, son of farmer Anwar Hossain, reported that while going to water his field, he discovered that the base of his bottle gourd plants had been cut. “The plants have completely dried out. Nearly 40 gourds had to be harvested prematurely. I have suffered substantial losses,” he said.

Similarly, fields belonging to Juel, son of Rahman, and Tawhid, son of Abu Hanif, were also targeted, with their bottle gourd plants destroyed. The three farmers are reportedly in a state of fear and uncertainty following the incident.

Local residents said that such attacks threaten crop security and have left farmers anxious about protecting their produce.

Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officers Ibrahim and Abir Hossain described the incident as inhumane and deeply regrettable. They assured that the agriculture department will provide necessary support to the affected farmers and take measures to safeguard future crops.

Community members urged local authorities to take immediate action to prevent similar incidents in the future, emphasizing that attacks on crops not only cause economic losses but also create fear among the local population and threaten the long-term livelihoods of farmers.

END/AIJ/SMA/