Climate change has drastically changed the traditional means of survival for farmers in Naogaon, located in the Rajshahi division of Bangladesh (Islam., 2023). Naogaon District, located in the northwestern part of Bangladesh, It’s geography, characterized by its reliance on agriculture and limited water resources, makes it particularly vulnerable to droughts. Mohammad Jamil Hossen, a second-generation farmer from Niamotpur who has battled 25 years with difficulties presented by climate change, including prolonged droughts, erratic rains, and growing farming costs.
Early farming was easier for Jamil because high rainfall softened the soil for cow-pulled plows. Due to evaporation and soil moisture loss, rising temperatures hardened the ground. Since rainfall was erratic, deep tube wells and power tillers became essential on farms. These tools increased efficiency and productivity but also raised farming costs, making it harder for farmers to survive.
One of the several obvious changes Jamil has observed is the increasing dependence of society on irrigation. Farmers could sustain crops with seasonal rains alone in the past; but, as rainfall grew less consistent, they had to spend heavily on irrigation systems. Though many neighbors couldn’t afford such tools, Jamil secured a power tiller with government aid, buying it from his nearest agriculture office at a 25% discount using an agriculture card. An agriculture card is a government-issued digital ID enabling farmers to access agricultural services, receive incentives, buy inputs at discounts, and ease transactions and loans. Rising cost of labor, seed, fertilizer, pesticide, electrical, and other expenses in addition to tools are making farming less profitable. Jamil now grows three varieties of rice: Aush, Ropa Amon, and Boro, all of which demand a lot of irrigation in an effort at adaptation.
Though Jamil may not know the term “climate change,” he knows its effects. Jamil said water shortages plague Niamotpur. Groundwater, previously accessible at 40 feet, is now over 100 feet deep. Groundwater levels are depleting rapidly, requiring submersible pumps and electric motors. Since they need submersible pumps for drinking water, the community’s access to clean water has suffered. The government installed ‘Barind Pump’ for farmers, but not all have access. Rich farmers irrigate their land with their own pump and charge poor farmers BDT 145 per hour.
The costs of irrigation, chemical fertilizer, ploughing machine etc. have increased. Despite the efficiency of these resources, climate change induced disasters can upturn all the potential produce. Many farmers have taken out loans from microfinance organizations like BRAC or Grameen Bank to help with these mounting costs. These loans sadly sometimes force farmers to give up farming completely since they are trapped in debt cycle. Many families had to mortgage or sell their land in order to set in place submersible pumps, rising costs of farming etc.; many have also been compelled to migrate in search of employment in cities like Dhaka.
This economic strain has also brought about notable social changes in Naogaon. Jamil shared that farmers do not profit from rice farming anymore. Due to the rising cost of farming, many farmers obtain seeds and fertilizers on credit. Once they harvest their crops, they often sell their entire production to the middlemen in order to repay those loans. For those who work on leased land, staying in business can be challenging since they give landowners a sizable share of their output. The middlemen and the other businessmen get all the profit while the farmers remain poor. Jamil noticed that this has forced an entire generation of farmers to change their occupation.
Jamil noted they’re adapting to climate change by shifting from rice to water-efficient crops like maize and mustard, converting traditional fields into orchards or for other non-traditional produce. Despite significant challenges, farmers have received little support. While crop changes were suggested, there’s insufficient assistance for water shortages and sustainable farming methods. Jamil mentioned that aside from microfinance initiatives, no other NGOs or government organizations are actively addressing these challenges.
Jamil is becoming more and more dubious of Naogaon’s agricultural future. He worries that farming will shortly become impossible as groundwater levels keep declining. “Agriculture will stop and the area will become a desert if the water supply is cut off,” he feared. Originally an environmental issue, climate change is now turning into a socioeconomic crisis as farmers are getting into more debt and destitute.
The narrative of the Naogaon farmers and Mohammad Jamil Hossen shows how strong people can be in the face of the concerning facts of climate change. These farmers keep innovating and adjusting in spite of great obstacles to maintaining their livelihoods in ever hostile surroundings. The hardships of these farmers serve as a sobering reminder of the pressing need of climate action, which is required to safeguard not only the environment but also the millions of people who depend on agriculture for their living.
Interviewer’s Perspective
The story of Naogaon farmers, like Mohammad Jamil Hossen, highlights the immediate and severe impacts of climate change on agriculture. Groundwater depletion and erratic rainfall have pushed the cost of irrigation beyond reach for many, leading to reduced crop yields and rising food insecurity. Farmers now rely heavily on deep tube wells, which further strain their financial resources. These challenges have not only affected farming but also worsened access to clean drinking water and sanitation, leading to increased health risks. Without significant support for adaptation, the future of agriculture in Naogaon remains uncertain, threatening both livelihoods and food security.
About the Interviewers
Nithora Mehrab, a Research Officer at OKUP, holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Geography and Environment from Jagannath University. Asif Bin Alam Seum, a Research Assistant at TIB, has similar qualifications from Shahjalal University.
About the Interviewee
Mohammad Jamil Hossen, a farmer from Borail Village, Niamotpur, Naogaon, Bangladesh, has been farming for 25 years, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He is 46 years old and holds an S.S.C. certificate. To support his family, he also raises cows and hens.
