The government has estimated that Cyclone Bulbul, which battered Bangladesh coastal areas, has inflicted losses amounting to Tk 2.63 billion (263.05 crore) on the country’s agriculture sector.
Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdur Razzaque divulged the estimate while speaking at a press conference at his ministry conference room on Tuesday (Nov 12).
Referring to primary information available from the field level, he said 422,836 hectors of cropland have been affected while the quantity of crops damaged is 72,212 tonnes.
“In monetary term, the losses will stand at Tk 2.63 billion and the number of affected farmers at 50,503,” he said.
The cyclonic storm lashed Bangladesh on Saturday and Sunday (9 and 10 Nov) wreaking havoc on the agriculture in coastal and adjoining districts.
“A total of 103 upazilas in 16 coastal and adjoining districts have been affected. According to information we’ve received, Aman, winter vegetables, mustard, pulses and betel leaf crops have been damaged in the 16 districts,” he said.
The affected district are Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Narail, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barguna, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Shariatpur, Noakhali, Feni and Lakshmipur.