Mostafa Shabuj

As the Aman paddy harvesting reaches its peak across the country, farmers are expressing frustration over falling prices, with rates dropping by Tk 100-150 per maund compared with last year.  The Daily Star correspondents from more than 13 districts found that paddy prices have declined over the past two weeks, leaving many farmers struggling to cover costs.

Sohel Rana had been growing mangos since 2013 in traditional methods, often applying excessive chemical fertilisers and pesticides. He was aware of the health risks and the adverse effects on the soil, but he did what he needed to do for a greater yield. And until last year, the farmer from Naogaon sold his produces in the local market for a marginal profit.

Jahidul Islam, a farmer from Chanpara area of Panchbibi upazila, had 100 sacks of seed potatoes stored at Sathi Himagar-3 cold storage.

Why are farmers spending extra money to use an unhealthy amount of chemical fertiliser and pesticides?

Cultivation of new potatoes also falls; experts blame govt’s poor planning, policy gaps

Many farmers are considering abandoning mango cultivation due to sharply rising production costs.

Farmers in the northern districts are paying Tk 47 to Tk 50 per kilogramme for triple superphosphate (TSP) fertiliser this Aman season, while the government rate is Tk 27.

An acute shortage of contraceptives in health centres across the country is severely affecting reproductive and maternal healthcare, with marginalised communities in rural and remote areas suffering the most. .At community clinics, Family Welfare Assistants (FWAs) usually provide free cont