, March 15 -- A sudden spell of rain and gusty winds has dealt a fresh blow to potato farmers in Rangpur division, who were already struggling with a sharp fall in market prices.

Heavy rainfall on Thursday and Friday inundated potato fields in several areas of Rangpur district, raising fears of crop damage and rot.

The situation has left many farmers worried as they try to drain water from their fields to save the harvest.

The damage was reported in areas including Mahiganj, Amashu Kukrul and Palichara in Rangpur Sadar upazila and Pirgachha upazila.

During visits to several fields, large tracts of potato farms were seen submerged in rainwater in Tambulpur, Chaola, Annadanagar and Kandi unions in Pirgachha upazila.

Farmers were trying...