Padma River Chars Witness a Farming Revolution with Multicropping

The Chronify

January 25, 2026

Farmers in the Padma river chars, once avoided due to fears of erosion, are now engaging in diverse farming practices, growing various crops across 43 chars in the region, bringing significant economic transformation.

Once barren land, feared for its vulnerability to river erosion, is now seeing a farming revolution on the chars of the Padma River. Farmers, who previously refrained from cultivating crops due to constant fear of losing their land to erosion, are now producing a wide range of crops on the chars.

Ibrahim Ali Sumon, a farmer in Charghat upazila, Rajshahi, now cultivates onions on the chars, a far cry from just a few years ago when the land was only used for growing dhaincha plants for firewood. A government initiative, run by the Ministry of Agriculture, has launched a project across 43 chars, covering a total of 17,023 hectares, aiming to boost agricultural production in these areas.

Farmers are now cultivating a variety of crops, ranging from rice and onions to garlic, lentils, and groundnuts. The introduction of modern farming techniques, including power tillers and tractors, has transformed the once-fallow land. Additionally, irrigation facilities, though still lacking in some areas, are improving.

Despite the fear of erosion still looming over the char farming areas, farmers like Mukhtar Ali have embraced farming as a survival strategy. With land now available for growing crops three times a year, their livelihoods have significantly improved.

The government’s project has also led to an increase in the cultivation of up to 20 types of crops annually, including fruits, vegetables, and spices. In Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Natore districts, char farming is proving to be a critical part of the local economy.

Although challenges remain, including transport and electricity, the local economy has seen significant growth, with over 15,000 farmers benefiting from the project. Local agricultural officials have assured continued support, working to resolve issues such as irrigation and transport to further enhance the productivity of char farming.

If these challenges are addressed, char farming could become a model of economic sustainability in Bangladesh.