RN Desk: In the Rangpur region of Bangladesh, the floodwaters that once brought only suffering to riverside communities are now turning into blessings. As the rivers recede, they leave behind fertile silt that forms new land known as chars. These chars have now been transformed into cultivable farmland, where farmers are reaping both harvests and financial benefits.

Looking across the chars, greenery is visible in every direction. A wide variety of crops are being cultivated here, including potatoes, maize, wheat, peanuts, sesame, linseed, pumpkins, cauliflowers, cabbages, radishes, eggplants, bitter gourds, mustard, sunflowers, carrots, and various leafy vegetables. With riverbeds drying up, these crops have brought about a significant transformation in farmers’ lives. Many families have regained financial stability and peace of mind thanks to the fertile char lands.

Recent statistics show that crops worth over 12 billion BDT (approximately USD 120 million) are produced every season on 735 chars that have emerged in the region’s rivers. This has not only increased farmers’ incomes but has also given a boost to the local economy.

According to the Rangpur Department of Agricultural Extension, the rivers Teesta, Brahmaputra, Dharla, Ghaghat, Charalkata, and others flowing through the districts of Rangpur, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, and Gaibandha have a total of 735 chars. These chars cover an area of 104,554 hectares, out of which 81,301 hectares are suitable for cultivation. On average, crops worth 25,000 to 30,000 BDT are produced per hectare, contributing to the total harvest value of around 12 billion BDT.

Agricultural data shows that on these chars, the average per-hectare yield is 24–25 tons for potatoes, 12–13 tons for maize, 3 to 3.5 tons for wheat, and 15–20 tons for vegetables.

Local farmers from Gangachara Upazila’s Laxmitari Union, such as Hadi Mia, Abul Kalam, Motlub Rahman, and Mizanur Rahman, shared that although the Teesta river floods their lands during the rainy season, they enjoy a measure of prosperity by cultivating crops during the dry season. The sale of these crops enables many families to meet their essential needs, and a majority of char dwellers are now overcoming poverty through farming.

Shafiqul Islam, Additional Director of the Rangpur Department of Agricultural Extension, said that efforts are underway to encourage farmers to grow more crops on char lands. The agricultural department provides continuous support and advice to char farmers. With over 80,000 hectares of char land under cultivation in the Rangpur region, these efforts are significantly strengthening the rural economy.