Kolkata, 17 February (H.S.): A farmer in Malda district has suffered significant losses after unidentified miscreants allegedly destroyed makhana saplings on nearly five bighas of land by administering poison, triggering concern in Gangnadia village under Harishchandrapur Police Station.

According to local sources, Reza Ahmed, a resident of the village, had planted makhana saplings on eight bighas of land about a month ago after taking a loan to finance the cultivation. He reportedly found the damage on Tuesday morning after being unable to visit the field for two days.

Upon inspection, he discovered that saplings across nearly five bighas had completely withered, while plants on the remaining portion of the land appeared healthy. Based on the pattern of damage, experienced farmers who examined the field suspected the use of poison.

Reza Ahmed claimed that he had spent approximately Rs 5,000 per bigha on planting the saplings, with the total investment exceeding Rs 1 lakh. He had planned to repay the loan from the proceeds of the makhana harvest. The sudden loss has left him financially distressed.

The farmer is preparing to lodge a formal complaint at Harishchandrapur Police Station, seeking an investigation into the incident. The episode has also sparked concern among local residents and farmers in the area.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh