A widespread hailstorm occurred in various areas of Barlekha and Juri upazilas in Moulvibazar. This has raised concerns about significant damage to farmers’ crops. The agricultural department has particularly mentioned the severe damage to crops like watermelon, onion, tomato, and sweet pumpkin.
Reports of the hailstorm began to emerge from different areas of the two upazilas after 9 PM on Thursday (March 13).
Juri farmer Islam Uddin said, “Suddenly, a hailstorm occurred at night. We are worried about the damage to our crops. In particular, winter vegetables have been affected. However, the hailstorm in Juri didn’t last long, so the potential damage to the crops may not be significant.”
Zubayer Ahmad Shimul from Barlekha upazila said, “There was a heavy hailstorm in the municipal area of Barlekha, along with Pakhiara, Murigul, Panidhar, Mushegul, Hinaingor, Sujanagar, and areas along the Haor. In our Kathaltali Union, nearly a hundred tin-roofed houses were damaged due to the rain. In addition, significant damage has occurred to winter vegetables.”
Juri Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Mahmoodul Alam Khan said, “Currently, there is no risk to Boro paddy due to hailstorms. However, crops like watermelon have been damaged. But the hailstorm in Juri wasn’t severe enough to harm the farmers.”
He further mentioned, “Barlekha upazila experienced the heaviest hailstorm. Several people have sent me photos of the storm. If the storm looked like what was shown in those photos, there is a possibility of damage to the farmers’ winter vegetables.
