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.

To address the crisis, the administration contacted tea garden managers and arranged for workers to support farmers. 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. It 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, saying they joined the effort after seeing farmers helpless as ripe paddy went underwater.  

Local residents also welcomed the initiative. “The presence of tea workers has provided some relief. This will help farmers reduce their losses,” said Ripon Das of Antehari village.  

Rajnagar Upazila Agriculture Officer Abdullah Al Amin noted that irrigation through pump houses is ongoing, but excessive water release is being hampered by load shedding and mechanical faults.  

Haor Rokha Andolon convener ASM Saleh Sohel said various steps are being taken to address the labour shortage, including encouraging volunteer efforts and mutual cooperation.  

The crisis extends beyond Rajnagar, with farmers across Habiganj, Sylhet, and Sunamganj struggling to harvest ripened boro paddy amid floods, erratic weather, and labour shortages.

Nurul Muhaimin Milton, president of Moulvibazar Trade Union, described the initiative as “a rare example of inter-sector solidarity.” He emphasised that tea workers, themselves from marginalised communities, are stepping forward to support farmers facing similar vulnerabilities.

He called for formal recognition of their role, along with fair wages, safe working conditions, and logistical support to sustain and expand such efforts.