Dhaka, April 30 -- Heavy rainfall and an onrush of water from upstream hilly areas have submerged vast stretches of Boro paddy fields in the Haor regions of Kishoreganj, leaving thousands of farmers in deep distress.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), nearly 4,500 hectares of cropland across Itna, Mithamoin, Ashtagram, and Nikli Upazilas have gone underwater over the last few days.

Farmers were seen harvesting half-ripe paddy in waist-deep water, desperate to save whatever remains of their main annual crop.

"I cultivated Boro on 1.6 hectares, and it's all submerged now. I have no idea how I will feed my family for the rest of the year," said Ratan Mia, a farmer from Khasapur village in Mithamoin.

The crisis i...