Bangladesh’s northwestern Barind Tract is facing a deepening groundwater crisis, prompting the government in December 2025 to declare 25 subdistricts as water-stressed zones. Authorities advised farmers to reduce cultivation of the highly water-intensive boro rice and instructed the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) to halt irrigation in affected areas. The decision reflects growing concern over rapid groundwater depletion driven by decades of intensive irrigation for agriculture.
The policy move, however, created tension on the ground, as BMDA—responsible for operating around 16,000 deep tube wells supporting more than half a million hectares of farmland—continued irrigation temporarily following verbal clearance from the Water Resources Ministry. Experts and officials noted that while groundwater stress is well known in the region, sudden restrictions risk disrupting livelihoods for millions dependent on rice farming and could destabilize local food systems.
Hydrological data highlights that the Barind Tract is among Bangladesh’s most drought-prone regions due to low rainfall, higher temperatures, and declining groundwater levels. With average annual rainfall significantly below the national average, districts such as Chapai Nawabganj, Rajshahi, and Naogaon face increasing water scarcity. Studies also show that the expansion of boro rice cultivation over recent decades has significantly increased groundwater extraction, worsening long-term depletion.
Despite concerns, the Barind region remains central to national food security, producing a major share of Bangladesh’s rice output, particularly boro rice. However, experts warn that continued reliance on groundwater-intensive farming is unsustainable and is contributing to environmental stress across the northwest agricultural belt.
In response, policymakers and development organisations are exploring alternatives to reduce pressure on water resources. These include shifting to less water-intensive crops such as vegetables, ginger, onions, garlic, and potatoes, along with expanding orchard farming. Pilot initiatives led by organisations such as BRAC have shown early success in encouraging farmers to diversify livelihoods, particularly in drought-affected communities.
Other proposed solutions include promoting livestock farming, especially dairy production, which is seen as a lower-water alternative with strong income potential if supported by proper supply chains and storage infrastructure. Additionally, agricultural experts suggest adopting improved irrigation techniques such as alternate wetting and drying, which can reduce water use in rice farming by up to 30 percent, offering a more sustainable path forward while maintaining production levels.
