Following re-excavation and the arrival of the Asharh rains, two long-defunct canals in Kushumba and Varshon unions of Manda upazila in Naogaon have come back to life. With both canals now brimming with water, Aman paddy planting is in full swing across the fields. Farmers are now irrigating their land using shallow pumps drawing water from the canals, resolving the long-standing issue of waterlogging. The re-excavation of these two vital canals was initiated in the 2025-2026 fiscal year under the EGPP program of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.
A New Lease on Life for Local Agriculture
The re-excavation project, inaugurated by Naogaon-4 lawmaker Dr Ikramul Bari Tipu, was implemented at a total cost of around Taka 1.74 crore. Of this, Taka 54.10 lakh was spent on re-excavating the canal from Bil Uthrail Bridge to Badalghata Bridge in Harkishore mouza of Kushumba Union. Meanwhile, Taka 56.63 lakh was allocated for excavating the section from Bakapur Dafadar More to Bil Uthrail in Varshon Union. A field visit revealed that the canals, which had been silted up for a long time, have taken on a new form.
Ending Waterlogging, Boosting Productivity
Monsoon water now flows into the canals and is stored, instead of accumulating in the fields. This has eliminated waterlogging in the fields, and direct irrigation of Aman fields with canal water has significantly reduced irrigation costs. Local farmers Bishu and Ahsan Habib noted that previously, stagnant rainwater hampered cultivation, and there was water scarcity in the dry season. Now that waterlogging is gone, they can plant crops on time and hope to see native fish in these canals in the future.
Long-Term Benefits for Farmers
Mostafizur Rahman Sumon, Chairman of Varshon Union Parishad, and Naufel, Chairman of Kushumba Union Parishad, stated that re-excavating the two canals has permanently removed waterlogging from about 100 bighas of land. As a result, farmers will now be able to easily cultivate three crops a year, including Boro and Aus rice as well as mustard. The water will also play a vital role in irrigation during the dry season.
Environmental and Economic Impact
Upazila Agriculture Officer Shayla Sharmin said the canal re-excavation will bring a revolutionary change to agricultural production in the area. Where it was once difficult to harvest one crop a year, two to three crops can now be produced. Manda Upazila Project Implementation Officer Ariful Islam reported that 2,500 fruit, timber, and medicinal trees have been planted along both banks of the canals under the government's tree plantation program. The respective Union Parishads have been tasked with maintaining these trees.
Multifaceted Benefits for the Community
Lawmaker Dr Ikramul Bari Tipu said that the canal re-excavation has ensured multiple benefits, particularly monsoon water conservation, irrigation facilities in the dry season, fish farming, and environmental protection through tree plantation along the banks. This excavation work is ongoing in various areas of Manda, and its benefits will be enjoyed long-term by the general public and farmers in the coming days.
