Alternative employment facilities in haor region

The two main means of surviving in the haor regions are growing Boro paddy in the dry season and catching fish in the wet season. This year all their paddy fields have flooded with hilly surge; the fish are dying, and there is no food to feed the cattle. Besides providing relief assistance, private entrepreneurs and the government should create alternative employment opportunities for those living in the area, who remain idle during the rainy season anyway, except for when they are fishing. They could be provided with work through small and cottage industries, such as making utensils or handicraft items from bamboo and cane, embroidery quilts, and other natural materials. Such opportunities could save them from completely starving in the aftermath of a disaster in their region.

Samaresh Das, Bakshibazar