Tea garden workers step in to save haor paddy harvest

Labour shortage in haor areas during the peak boro harvesting season has left many farmers struggling to save their crops. In this crisis, tea garden workers have emerged as a source of support. The Rajnagar upazila administration in Moulvibazar coordinated with nearby tea estates to deploy workers to assist in paddy harvesting. Persistent rainfall and the threat of early flooding created an urgent need to harvest ripened paddy, but a shortage of local labourers prevented many farmers from completing the harvest on time. Fuel shortages further disrupted threshing and harvesting operations. On Thursday, tea workers were seen cutting paddy in waist-deep water in areas including Betahunja, Muzaffarpur, and Antehari along Kawadighi Haor. Farmers Mehdi Hasan and Sitab Ali said the assistance came at a critical time. “Without this support, much of the ripe paddy would have gone underwater. Many have already suffered losses. This initiative is commendable,” they said. Tea workers expressed solidarity with farmers. “We are also workers and understand the hardship of farmers. That is why we are helping. This also gives us some additional income,” said Sreekumar Kairi of Rajnagar Ita Tea Garden. Roton Bhumij, who harvested paddy in Tanguar Haor, added, “Standing in water and cutting paddy is not easy, but if our work can save even a part of their harvest, that is worth it.” His colleague Mithun Ghatual echoed the sentiment. Local residents welcomed the initiative, noting relief for farmers. Abdullah Al Amin, Rajnagar Upazila Agriculture Officer, highlighted ongoing irrigation efforts hampered by load shedding and mechanical faults. Haor Rokha Andolon convener ASM Saleh Sohel mentioned steps to address labour shortages, including encouraging volunteer efforts. The crisis extends to Habiganj, Sylhet, and Sunamganj, where farmers face floods, erratic weather, and labour shortages. Nurul Muhaimin Milton, president of Moulvibazar Trade Union, described the tea workers' initiative as a rare example of inter-sector solidarity, calling for formal recognition, fair wages, safe working conditions, and logistical support to sustain such efforts.