Once a lifeline for the communities along its banks, the Small Feni River is now under severe ecological stress. The combined effects of reduced upstream freshwater flow and the intrusion of saline water from the Bay of Bengal are wreaking havoc on local agriculture, leaving farmers in despair. Elevated salinity levels in the river have led to stunted crop growth and significant losses, particularly in the riverine char areas.
Impact on Water and Agriculture
For generations, farmers in the region have relied on the Small Feni’s water to cultivate rice, winter vegetables, and other crops. However, over recent months, salinity levels have risen sharply. The breach of the Musapur closure has allowed seawater to flow freely upstream, rendering the river water increasingly unsuitable for irrigation. As a result, seedlings are perishing within days, and crop yields have declined dramatically.
The following table summarises the impact across major affected areas:
| Upazila | Affected Crops | Salinity Impact | Current Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonagazi | Boro and Aman rice | Seedlings burn and die quickly | Increased cultivation costs; lower yields |
| Baligaon | Winter vegetables, watermelon, cucumber, chilli | Leaves turn red and plants die | Fields left fallow; higher input costs |
| Daganbhuiya | Vegetables and rice | Saline irrigation damages crops | Expensive alternative pumps; reduced fodder |
Voices from the Fields
Mohammad Ismail Hossain of Sonagazi explained, “We used to cultivate Aman and Boro rice using river water. Now, even a small amount of water stings our tongues, and seedlings die within two days. Our means of survival are vanishing.”
Sheikh Farid Amin from Feni Sadar said, “Previously, we could use low-cost water from BADC irrigation pumps. With saline water seeping into our fields, cultivation has become impossible.”
Noor Hossain highlighted the broader crisis: “Several hundred thousand people rely on this river. Salinity has left hundreds of acres barren and created shortages of fodder for livestock.”
Proposed Measures
Agricultural experts and local officials have urged urgent interventions, including:
Swift reconstruction of the Musapur closure.
Modernisation and timely operation of sluice gates.
Regular dredging to restore river navigability.
Distribution of salinity-tolerant rice and crop seeds.
Excavation of ponds and canals to store rainwater.
Mohammad Monirul Islam, Executive Engineer at the Feni Water Development Board, stated, “Once the Musapur closure is rebuilt, problems caused by riverbank erosion and tidal surges will be mitigated, benefiting farmers in the char areas.”
The agricultural future of this coastal region remains heavily dependent on the Small Feni River. Without prompt and effective measures, the area risks transforming into barren land, jeopardising both livelihoods and regional food security.
This crisis serves as a stark warning: riverine management and salinity mitigation are now critical for sustaining agriculture and the local economy.