the boro rice crop in three low-lying northeastern districts of Bangladesh has been hit hard due to erratic weather conditions, which has necessitated change in sowing pattern. The crop, grown between November and May every year, stands damaged over 53,000 hectares (ha) in the single-crop areas of Netrakona, Brahmanbaria and Kishoreganj districts. Harvests in recent weeks showed that farmers did not get even 10 per cent of the normal yield. Scientists hold two factors responsible: early preparation of seedlings and plantation of paddy due to early drying up of the fields and a prolonged cold spell affecting the reproductive capacity. Bangladesh Meteorological Department's (bmd's) statistics show that rainfall was 24 per cent below average in June, 19 per cent less in July and 32 per cent below normal in August.The flow of water from upper catchments of rivers was also less than normal, which led to water from low-lying districts receding in October itself