Fisheries ministry halts tobacco cultivation in Halda River basin

The interim government has completely halted tobacco cultivation this year in Manikchhari upazila of Khagrachhari district in the Halda River basin area.

According to a press release issued today, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock said coordinated efforts by the district and upazila administrations and the Department of Fisheries ensured the cessation of tobacco cultivation this year.

Last year, 11 tobacco farmers in the region cultivated the crop on nearly 20 acres of land, according to official records.

Experts say excessive use of pesticides in farming and tobacco cultivation in the Halda River basin is a major cause of water pollution in the Halda River, the country’s only natural carp breeding ground and a fisheries heritage site.

Authorities expressed hope that the halt in tobacco cultivation would have a positive impact on conserving the Halda River’s fish resources and biodiversity, the release said.

On November 5 last year, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock amended the existing gazette on the Halda River fisheries heritage and issued a notification declaring tobacco cultivation prohibited in the Halda River basin area.

Later, at the Khagrachhari district law and order committee meeting on December 21, 2025, a decision was taken to adopt necessary measures to stop tobacco cultivation and illegal sand extraction in the Halda River basin.

In line with the decision, the Manikchhari upazila fisheries office and the upazila administration contacted tobacco farmers, informed them about the government notification, and advised them not to plant tobacco seedlings.

Tobacco seedlings are usually planted in December and January. The Department of Agricultural Extension is currently encouraging farmers in the area to cultivate alternative crops such as mustard, maize, and vegetables.