Diesel price hike raises Boro farming concerns

Farmers are worried about rising cultivation costs after the government raised diesel prices by Tk 20 to Tk 135 a litre, with the increase coming just as preparations for the next Boro season are approaching.

The higher price is expected to raise expenses not only for irrigation but also for land preparation, harvesting, threshing and transporting paddy.

According to farmers, the impact could be particularly significant for Boro, as much of the irrigation for the country’s main rice crop depends on diesel-powered equipment.

The diesel price had already risen from Tk 100 to Tk 115 a litre in April. The latest increase means the price has climbed Tk35 in five months.

According to the Agriculture Ministry, around 24 percent of the country’s annual diesel consumption is used in agriculture, while about 75 percent of agricultural machinery runs on diesel.

Boro seedbeds are generally prepared from late November, followed by repeated irrigation through cultivation and harvesting. With diesel accounting for a large share of irrigation operations, farmers fear the latest increase could further squeeze margins. Boro accounts for roughly 60 percent of Bangladesh’s total rice production, making production costs in the season particularly important for overall food supply.

Farmers say their costs have already risen because of higher prices for fertiliser, seed, pesticides and labour. Some also faced increased irrigation needs during the Aman season because of inadequate rainfall. The diesel hike is now adding to expenses for harvesting, threshing and transporting Aman paddy.

Several farmers said they may reduce Boro cultivation or switch to crops requiring less irrigation if costs continue to rise. They also warned that unless paddy prices rise sufficiently to offset higher production costs, farming could become increasingly difficult.

Agricultural economists have called for measures such as incentives or subsidies to help farmers absorb the additional costs and maintain production.

Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid said the government would monitor the impact of the fuel price increase on agriculture and take necessary measures.