In the dry northwestern corner of Bangladesh, where fertile soil meets a stubborn water crisis, lies the Barind Tract – a historically drought-prone area covering parts of Rajshahi, Naogaon, Natore, and Chapainawabganj.
For years, farmers here have struggled with declining groundwater levels, forcing them to leave fields fallow and dreams unfulfilled.
But now, a new hope is flowing through high-density polyethylene pipes.
A major irrigation project – the Padma River Water Supply and Irrigation Distribution (EIDL) project, using an innovative method called “double lifting” – is slowly taking shape in the region. Once completed, it promises to bring life-giving water from the mighty Padma River to over 10,000 hectares of farmland, benefiting 30,000 farmers and boosting annual crop production by 140,000 tonnes.
Water crisis hits hard on farmers
The current boro season has once again exposed the severity of the water crisis in the Barind Tract.
According to the Rajshahi Department of Agricultural Extension, the target for boro cultivation this year was 376,110 hectares, but only 365,830 hectares were cultivated due to water shortages – a drop of 10,200 hectares compared to last year.
Rajshahi could cultivate 1,905 hectares lesser than the past year, it was 540 hectares lesser in Naogaon, 3,500 hectares less in Natore, and 4,205 hectares less in Chapainawabganj.
The reason? Groundwater levels are dropping fast. Over-reliance on deep tube wells – once hailed as a solution – is now causes of the problem.
The Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA), which manages irrigation in the region, has introduced a new policy limiting the number of hours deep tube wells can operate each year to protect the underground water table. While necessary, the move has led to reduced farming activity and lower yields.
Enter the ‘double lifting’ solution
To break free from this cycle, the BMDA launched a bold initiative: bringing water from the Padma River, more than 18 kilometres away, to irrigate the parched lands of the Barind Tract.
This is being done through a method known as “double lifting,” where water is first drawn from the river and then pumped a second time through a network of pipelines to reach higher elevations.
How it works
1. Water is drawn from the Padma River at the Jot Gosaidas Sarangpur intake pump station in Godagari.
2. It is then pumped twice through Booster-1 and Booster-2 stations.
3. Finally, the water flows into the Dudai Canal, from where it will be distributed to farms via a pipeline network.
The system uses high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, which are durable and resistant to corrosion. A total of 120 cusecs of water will flow through the system, enough to sustain thousands of acres of farmland.
What’s in it for farmers?
When fully operational – expected by 2027 – the Tk 548 crore project will bring 10,250 hectares of uncultivated land under farming; benefit 30,000 farmers; boost annual crop production by 140,000 tonnes; and provide a sustainable alternative to depleting groundwater sources.
For farmers like Sultan Islam from Basudebpur village in Godagari, this change cannot come soon enough. “This time too, we couldn’t cultivate the land due to water shortage. Every year, we manage to farm only half our land during the paddy season. But once the project is complete, we’ll be able to grow crops freely,” he said.
Another farmer, Nasir Uddin, echoed similar hopes: “We’ve been facing water shortages for years. Especially during paddy season, it’s very difficult. If this project becomes reality, it will change everything for us.”
Progress Underway
Construction began on February 4, 2025, with work already underway on installing a 1,000 mm diameter HDPE pipeline stretching nearly 20 kilometres. About 20 per cent of the project has already been completed.
Industrial giant RFL Group is leading the construction effort. Officials say 120 LLP (Low Lift Pump) stations will be set up along the route to ensure even distribution of water across the farmlands.
Abdul Latif Sarkar, Assistant Engineer at BMDA’s Godagari-1 Zone, explained: “This project aims to reduce the water crisis and increase agricultural output. The double-lifting method ensures that we don’t rely solely on groundwater anymore.”
Despite repeated attempts to contact Project Director Shibir Ahmed, he could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.
Looking ahead: A new dawn for Barind Tract
For decades, the Barind Tract has battled droughts, falling water tables, and shrinking harvests. Now, with the Padma irrigation project gaining momentum, there’s a real chance for transformation.
If successful, this initiative won’t just help farmers – it could reshape the local economy, boost food security, and serve as a model for other drought-hit regions in Bangladesh.
As pipes stretch across the fields and pumps hum with promise, the people of Barind Tract are daring to dream again – of green fields, full harvests, and a future no longer defined by thirst.