The government has announced an emergency assistance package to rehabilitate the agriculture, fisheries, and livestock sectors in five flood-affected districts of the Chattogram region following the recent floods.
Under the programme, the government will distribute 327 metric tonnes of paddy seeds, vaccinate 151,599 livestock, and provide BDT 3.5 million worth of cattle feed to affected farmers.
The announcement was made by Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid at a press briefing held at the Chattogram Circuit House on the damage caused by the recent flood triggered by heavy rainfall and the government’s post-flood recovery measures.
The information was disclosed in a press release issued by the Ministry of Agriculture.
The minister said that preliminary assessments indicate losses of more than BDT 2 billion in the fisheries sector and around BDT 770 million in the livestock sector across the five affected districts.
He noted that widespread damage to seedbeds has created an urgent need for 327 metric tonnes of paddy seeds to support farmers. The government already has sufficient seed stocks. Farmers whose land is ready for cultivation will receive seeds immediately, while emergency seedbeds are being prepared on government-owned vacant land for those whose fields are not yet suitable for planting. Rice seedlings from these nurseries will be distributed to affected farmers within the next 15 days.
Prioritizing livestock health, the minister said the risk of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) typically increases after floods. As part of the emergency response, 151,599 livestock in the five affected districts will be vaccinated. The vaccination campaign will begin tomorrow and is expected to be completed within 15 days.
He also said that floodwaters have destroyed straw and other animal feed, prompting the government to allocate BDT 3.5 million for cattle feed. The feed will be distributed first in the worst-affected upazilas, with additional support to be provided in phases based on demand.
The minister added that the government has collected damage assessment data at the union level. Assistance will be prioritized for areas with the greatest losses, and every effort will be made to ensure that no affected farmer, fish farmer, or livestock rearer is left out of the government’s support programme.
Among those present at the briefing were Divisional Commissioner Dr. Md. Ziauddin, Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension Md. Abdur Rahim, Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia, Director of the Department of Livestock Services Dr. Md. Boyzar Rahman, Director of the Chattogram Divisional Fisheries Office Md. Anwar Hossain, and other senior government officials.