Mostafizur Rahman, Gaibandha (Saghata, Fulchhari): Farmers in the vast char areas of Gaibandha's Fulchhari upazila produce abundant crops throughout the year, but they are being deprived of fair prices. They are facing difficulties in marketing their produce due to poor communication systems and the lack of specific buying and selling centers.
Local farmers said that during the rainy season, the only means of transportation is by boat, and during the dry season, they have to walk two to three miles to reach the boat dock. They have to carry their agricultural produce on their heads or shoulders, lift it onto the boat, and then take it to the market in carts or vans. This increases costs, resulting in losses for the farmers.
Mohir Uddin, a farmer from Char Fazlupar village in Fulchhari, said, "We have to walk a long distance, there is no transport. We have to carry the crops on our shoulders to the ghat, then cross the river to take them to the market. Despite all this effort, the prices are not good enough."
Titu Mia, a farmer from Khatiamari village in the middle of Char, said, "We work hard to grow crops. But wholesalers come and buy them at very low prices. There are few opportunities to sell our products in the market, so we are forced to sell at a loss." Many farmers in the Char region, including Haider Ali and Rubel Mia, have the same complaint.
Abdul Khalek, a trader in Fulchhari Bazar, said, "Since farmers cannot come to the market directly, middlemen take advantage of them. They buy from farmers at a low price and sell at a high price. This problem needs to be solved."
Social activist Apel Mahmud said, "Along with farmers, residents of char areas are also being deprived of healthcare. If the 'My Village, My City' project is implemented, char farmers will get fair prices for their produce and civic amenities will be ensured."
Ansar Ali Mandal, chairman of Fazlupur Union Parishad, said, "Government initiatives are needed to improve the communication system and ensure fair prices for farmers. Otherwise, they will continue to face losses even after growing thirteen crops in 12 months."
In this regard, Fulchhari Upazila Executive Officer Jagatbandhu Mondal said, "The government had undertaken the 'My Village, My City' project, which was supposed to have civic facilities including a center for buying and selling agricultural products. A survey was conducted in one union last year, but no further progress has been made since then."
