Water-smart farming takes root in Barind to tackle climate, irrigation stress | Others

RAJSHAHI, Oct 18, 2025 (BSS) - As groundwater levels continue to decline and drought conditions persist, farmers in the Barind region are increasingly adopting crop diversification strategies focused on low-water-consuming and high-value crops to build resilience against climate change and water stress. Experts said the shift from traditional irrigation-intensive crops such as Irri-Boro paddy to wheat, maize, lentils, chickpeas, and oilseeds - alongside fruits like mango, guava, malta, and dragon fruit - is improving water efficiency, enhancing farmer incomes, and supporting sustainable agriculture in one of the country's most climate-vulnerable zones. Agricultural specialist Monzurul Huda, former director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), said the primary aim of this transition is to mitigate water scarcity in the Barind tract,...