‘Re-excavate Pakhimara canal’

Hundreds of farmers staged a human chain yesterday demanding the re-excavation of Pakhimara canal in Patuakhali's Kalapara upazila for agricultural purposes.

Farmer Zakir Hossain Gazi, development worker Iman Al Ahsan, farmer Quddus Hawladar and others spoke at the programme.

Farmer Zakir Hossain Gazi said about 20,000 farmers of 11 villages on both sides of the 10-kilometre-long and 500-foot-wide Pakhimara canal cultivate vegetables, aman and boro paddy, along with vegetables throughout the year by conserving fresh water. However, around half a kilometre of the Kumirmara section of the canal has been filled up.

"It is now a football field. Motorcycles run in the area. Farmers on both banks are unable to cultivate crops in their fields. This is a disastrous situation for agriculture," said Zakir.

Farmers also said if the government permits, they can continue agricultural production by digging and conserving fresh water on their own initiative. "We don't want relief. We just want fresh water from the canal for our work," one demanded on behalf of others.

In this regard, Kalapara Upazila Agriculture Extension Officer ARM Saifullah said efforts are underway to dig the canal to conserve fresh water.

Contacted, Kalapara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Jahangir Hossain, said necessary measures will be taken to dig the canal for the benefit of farmers.