An estimated 56,000 hectares of Aus cropland have so far got damaged due to recent devastating floods in Bangladesh, agriculture minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque says.
The cataclysm has also affected Aus paddy of 22,000 hectares in north-eastern Sunamganj and Sylhet districts, he adds.
The minister disclosed this while exchanging views with journalists after a meeting with Maldives High Commissioner Shiruzimath Sameer at the former's secretariat office on Tuesday.
Terming that overall preparations were being made to control crop damage, he says floodwaters have already entered many districts, including Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari and Moulvibazar.
According to Mr Razzaque, crops like vegetable, sesame, nuts and others have been damaged.
If the floods do not last long, the minister hopes, it is possible to make up for the damage done so far.
Extensive preparations are already in place to this end, he maintains.
According to Mr Razzaque, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed to make maximum arrangements for the preparation of Aman seedbed.
Damaged seedlings will be replanted as sufficient seeds are in stock and they will be distributed among farmers in the coming days, he cites.
If the floods prolong and things get worse, initiatives will be made to cultivate Nabi variety (late variety) of paddy, the minister concludes.
sajibur@gmail.com