Now it's full Baisakh, the time of Boro paddy. Boro paddy meets at least 55% of the country's food demand. The cultivation of Boro is predominant in seven Haor-bounded districts: Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Sunamganj, Kishoreganj, Netrokona, and Brahmanbaria. If this paddy isn't damaged by excessive rain, floods, or hill slides in India, the country's food demand doesn't fall short. Therefore, from cultivation to harvesting, favorable weather, especially the presence of frost, is crucial. Currently, that situation persists.

People of Sylhet region are familiar with the desires, hopes, and highs and lows of the people here. I exemplify them. From them, I've learned how crucial it is to harvest without hindrance during the Boro season. Ensuring fodder for livestock is equally crucial. Intense frost isn't a problem here; rather, it signifies the fruition of hopeful aspirations. Much of the country's food demand and food security depends on Boro paddy. Hence, from cultivation to every stage thereafter, natural assistance is needed. Currently, those conditions prevail.

Farmers need intense frost now. They're experiencing intense heatwave in the country. This isn't an exception here. However, they are praying for this frost. Rain is a catastrophe for them now. Because this rain and extreme rainfall-induced floods can dissolve their dreams. The farmers of Sunamganj still haven't forgotten the calamity of 2017. That year, floods washed away crops in 137 haor areas of Sunamganj. Last time, farmers safely harvested their crops without any hindrance. The previous year, at least 20 haor areas suffered crop loss due to floods.

Crops dependent on nature ensure the country's food security. Here, severe heatwaves have a minor impact. Falling on the fields, sometimes with a roof over their heads, farmers dream. They sit praying not for rain but for uninterrupted frost for a few more days. Farmers want limited rainfall in Chaitra, mild frost in Baisakh, as golden paddy grows in these fields. It's customary to invite rain by praying during the harvest season. Locally, it's believed that people practiced such rituals before global warming. Whether these efforts were effective is debatable and subject to personal belief. However, these invitations to rain are now seen in the media worldwide.

On one side, intense heatwaves, on the other side, uncertainty in harvesting the main ingredient of food security, paddy—many consider temporary relief as crucial. Yet, for many, this seems like the primary concern. Nevertheless, another day goes by without rain in the fertile areas, the farmers will bring the paddy home. Food security will be ensured.

We have no control over nature, no control; however, I believe it's essential for our aspirations to be expressed. Maybe nature won't change its ways according to our desires; sudden rain won't fall in fields of intense frost. Yet, until the paddy is harvested, farmers will hope for frost. They'll feel assured this country is with them.

May victory be with the farmers. At least in the Boro areas, let nature stand by the farmers.