North Bengal Research Articles

Characterization and identification of fungicide insensitive Pestalotiopsis-like species pathogenic to tea crop in India.

Gray blight, a fungal disease caused by Pestalotiopsis-like species, is a widespread disease affecting tea crop (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) in many tea-growing countries, including India, resulting in huge losses in tea production.In India, several studies have been conducted to understand the fungal diseases of tea crop, but gray blight has not been well described in major tea growing areas such as in North Bengal, based on its geographic distribution, molecular analysis, or pathogenicity, and even fungicide resistance. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize the causative agents of gray blight disease in symptomatic leaf sample of tea crop collected from 27 tea gardens located in North Bengal, India and to evaluate some common fungicides against them in order to understand the resistance mechanism. In this study, we characterized Pestalotiopsis-like species based on thephylogenies of DNA sequences (internal transcribed spacers) and assessment of conidial characteristics.The study revealed that out of 27 isolates of gray blight pathogens, 17 belonged to the genus Pseudopestalotiopsis(Ps.), six isolates were Neopestalotiopsis, and four were Pestalotiopsis. Two novel species, Ps. thailandica and N. natalensis were introduced through this study. The most frequently isolated genus from C. chinensis was Pseudopestalotiopsis. Pathogenicity tests showed that the isolates displayed significantly different virulence when inoculated onto wounded tea leaves and the mycelial growth rate was positively correlated with pathogenicity (P < 0.01). Based on the 13 ISSR(Inter Simple Sequence Repeat) markers used and principal coordinate analysis, it was found that isolates were very diverse. Out of 27 isolates, IND0P2, DLG0P10, and BHAT0P11 isolates were insensitive against both MBC + M3 (Carbendazim + Mancozeb) and DMI (Hexaconazole) fungicides, while isolates SANY0P18, PAHG0P19, RANG0P24, and SING0P25 were insensitive only against MBC + M3 fungicide. Further, these insensitive isolates were grouped into separate clusters by ISSR, indicating their distinctiveness. However, all the evaluated isolates were susceptible to M1 (copper oxychloride) and another DMI (propiconazole) fungicides. Therefore, to manage gray blight, fungicide resistance management strategies as recommended by Fungicide Resistance Action Committee should be implemented.

The Assertion of Identity: A Research on Meches, Rabhas, Totos and Garos of North Bengal

Anil Kumar Sarkar, Tribes of Sub-Himalayan Region: Meches, Rabhas, Totos and Garos New Delhi: Mittal Publications,, 2021, 178 pp, ₹700. ISBN: 978-8194936084.

Genetic characterization of dengue virus from patients presenting multi-serotypic infections in the Northern West Bengal, India.

Northern West Bengal, popularly known as North Bengal, is a dengue-endemic area, which has been severely affected by Dengue in the past few years resulting in massive hospitalizations and deaths. Genetic characterization of the circulating endemic dengue virus (DENV) serotypes is of paramount importance for the epidemiological understanding of the infection and subsequent vaccine development. The present study was conceived to characterize circulating dengue serotypes and to undertake phylogenetic study. EDTA blood samples of all (N = 83) NS1-positive cases of patients with acute febrile illness referred to different health care facilities were collected and processed for RNA isolation followed by the complementary DNA (cDNA) preparation. Serotype determination of dengue infection was done using conventional PCR by targeting the viral C-prM region. Phylogenetic tree was constructed by implementing the Maximum likelihood method. Out of 83 blood samples 17 were detected to be positive for the presence of dengue viral RNA. DENV3 was found to be the predominant serotype in the single-infection cases; however, we have detected multi-serotypic co-infections throughout the study. Joint pain was found to be the most valuable symptom for the prognosis of dengue. Sequence analyses suggested that both DENV1- and DENV3-circulating genotypes are in the genotype III group and remain closely related to the Indian clade. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the genetic characterization of circulating DENVs in North Bengal, which may contribute to the study of dengue epidemic and pathogenesis.

Outcome predictors of meningoencephelitis due to Orienta tsutsugamushi in children: a retrospective study in tertiary care hospital in the terai region of West Bengal

Background: Childhood infection by Orienta tsutsugamushi is endemic in India and central nervous system invasion by this organism is exceedingly high which is difficult to diagnose. Meningoencephelitis is a life-threatening manifestation of febrile illness caused by orienta tsutsugamushi that can cause significant morbidity and case fatality. Early diagnosis of mortality indicators and judicious intensive treatment accordingly can reduce mortality.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with 22 patients of meningoencephelitis due to Orienta tsutsugamushi to find out the mortality predictors in the department of pediatrics of North Bengal medical college, Darjeeling, West Bengal, IndiaResults: It was seen that Pneumonitis, raised SGPT, Oedema and raised creatinine were found to be poor prognostic indicators of orienta tsutsugamushi meningoencephelitis.Conclusions: Identification of those predictors and early initiation of intensive management accordingly will be salutary to reduce mortality in orienta tsutsugamushi meningoencephelitis.

Gender discourse on displacement and livelihood issues: a study ofwomen tea plantation workers, North Bengal, India

Present paper examines methods and methodological concerns of few significant conceptual constructs based on inter-sectional variables like colonial history of tea plantations, feminization of workforce, political economy of displacement, issues of sustainable livelihood; gender, labour and identity crisis or gender, space &amp; identity; and emerging feminization of underclass at the face of declining tea economy in North Bengal. Further, observational analysis post closure of tea gardens would be included to substantiate trend analysis from a feminists’ scholarship. It attempts to develop a theoretical discourse subsequently a tangible feminist framework keeping the gender-labour and displacement- livelihood issues at center space of the thematic dialogue.

IMPACT OF HUMAN INTERFERENCE ON FISH DIVERSITY IN FIVE WETLANDS OF NORTH BENGAL, INDIA

This study was conducted in five wetlands of North Bengal to find out impact of anthropogenic activities in diversity of fish species. Total 101 fish species were documented in those wetlands. Maximum species (93) were recorded from Gajoldoba wetland, whereas Nimai beel recorded only 33 species. Results indicate that anthropogenic activities (other than fishing) affected ichthyofauna diversity adversely. Human interferences altered electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, BOD, free carbon dioxide, phosphate and nitrate level significantly. Also, human interferences significantly affected emergent vegetation covered shore area and percentage of floating vegetation. All those physio-chemical and vegetative changes possibly affected the zooplankton diversity negatively dwindling the base of the food chain and in turn, affected fish diversity. Immediate and proper action should be taken to save this biodiversity and the wetland of this region as a whole.

Antioxidant attributes of tea in North Bengal, India: Relation with its principal constituents and properties of soil

This study was performed in 18 tea gardens in North Bengal, India, from 2012 to 2017. The data were pooled to investigate the relationship with soil physico-chemical properties, phyto-constituents, antioxidant attributes and age of the tea bushes and principal component analysis (PCA). PCA and dendro-hit maps were also performed with each region. The 28 principal components were chosen based on their eigen values, explaining the total data variance for tea in Dooars, Terai and Darjeeling hill. In almost all cases, composite soil physico-chemical attributes were heavily loaded on the second principal component and clustered, as visual evidenced by the dendro-hit map. Different attributes were significantly correlated each other in case of Terai i.e. (value of “r’’ at P&lt;0.01 level) clay fraction (0.778), electrical conductivity (0.618), N (0.777), S (0.748), P (0.514 ppm), flavour index (0.918), total polyphenol (0.687) DPPH (0.794), nitric oxide (0.913), anti-lipid peroxidation (0.717) and metal chelating (0.665). In Dooars region, attributes were significantly correlated with silt (0.718), pH (0.875), P (0.615 ), chloride (0.858), TP (0.776), flavonol (0.923), quinone (0.666), tannins (0.865), DPPH (0.536), superoxide (0.576), ABTS (0.520) and MC (0.777) and in the case of Darjeeling hills, attributes were highly correlated with clay (0.812), sand (0.818), silt fraction (0.974), K (0.932), S (0.999), MC of soil (0.671), TP (0.853), tannins (0.912), DPPH (0.624), ABTS (0.661) and MC (0.633) repectively.

Prevalence and Identification of Ticks in Cattle Of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Ticks, the notorious ectoparasite, are frequently infest cattle and cause various disease conditions and acts as vector of pathogenic organism. To determine the tick infestation in cattle of four Districts of Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh, a total of 1200 cattle (300 from each district) were randomly examined throughout the year. Four hundred ticks (100 from each district) collected from cattle were microscopically identified to determine the prevalence of specific ticks. Among the examined cattle, 433 (36.08%) were found infested with one or more species of ticks. The highest prevalence was recorded in Naogaon District (39.66%) followed by Rajshahi (37.33%), Joypurhat (34.33%) and Natore (33%). Tick infestation rate was higher (p&lt;0.05) in rainy season (43%) followed by summer (37.75%) and winter (27.5%). Adult cattle (&gt;5 years) were significantly (p&lt;0.05) susceptible (41.63%) to tick infestation in comparison to young (&gt;1-&lt;5 years) (29.94%) and calves (&lt;1 year) (34.13%). Significant difference (p&lt;0.05) was observed in sex related infestation. Female were highly susceptible (48.31%) than male (19.92%). Local breed cattle were significantly susceptible (41.97%) compare to North Bengal Gray (37.28%) and cross breed (26.60%) cattle. Ear was the most favorite (72.51%) infestation site of tick whereas least was found in scrotum (5.31%). Microscopic identification revealed 5 different species of ticks. Boophilus/ Rhipicephalus microplus was the most prevalent (33.5%) species followed by Haemaphysalis bispinosa (23.50%), Amblyomma variegatum (17.25%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (14%) and Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (11.75%). Notable tick infestation in cattle indicated the possibility of damaged by ticks and opportunity of transmission of pathogenic organism. Thus, an effective control strategy is warned to overcome the harmful effects of ticks on cattle. Vol. 9, No. 2, August 2022: 171-183

Strategies for Improvement in Cultivation Practices of Oyster Mushrooms in North Bengal, India

Mushrooms are used as an edible food and medicine since time immemorial. It constitutes a chief source to reduce body weight. The different agricultural wastes were used in cultivation of oyster mushroom. In West Bengal, enormous amount of different wastes are produced annually, and are of no uses. These wastes could be possibly used as a source of food i.e. substrates for cultivation of oyster mushroom. However, the most common cultivation methods of oyster mushroom were found in partial sterilized or sterilized paddy straw. Different types of agro-wastes, by-products and crop residues can be used with conventional polybag method to achieve this mushroom cultivation more profitable and popular. Oyster mushroom was cultivated on different substrates viz. paddy straw, wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse and combination of different straw to assess the suitable substrate. Use of different substrates significantly affected the number of primordia and fruiting bodies, and the amount of fresh weight or yield of mushroom. The highest number of fruiting bodies, the amount of fresh weight and the yield was procured from rice straw in combination with wheat straw followed by rice straw and the lowest with wheat straw. The biological efficiency was also higher in rice with wheat straw. The N, P and K content in straw was found higher in rice straw. The molecular characterization of Pleurotus sp. revealed that maximum similarity of the sequence with Pleurotus ostreatus. A 95 % coverage of the sequence resulted in 92.55% similarity with fungal strain.

Determinants of Childhood Overweight and Obesity among Children 2 – 6 Years of Age Attending Anganwadi Centres in a Block of North Bengal

BACKGROUND&#x0D; Childhood obesity, a precursor of obesity in adulthood, is an important risk factor for adverse health outcomes and is showing a rising trend in India. Duration of exclusive breastfeeding, early introduction of complementary feeding, overweight or obesity in the mother, and maternal diabetes are important risk factors. The study was conducted to determine the proportion of overweight and obesity and its determinants among children in a block of North Bengal.&#x0D; METHODS&#x0D; A cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 2 – 6 years attending Anganwadi Centres in Tufanganj I Block, District Cooch Behar, West Bengal. 221 children aged between 2 and 6 years, were selected by 2 stage sampling technique, from 5 AWCs by simple random sampling, after taking informed consent from their mothers. Proportions, 95% CI for prevalence, and adjusted odds ratio for risk factors were calculated.&#x0D; RESULTS&#x0D; Proportions of overweight and obesity were 22.2% and 11.3% respectively. The proportion of combined overweight and obesity was significantly higher when the duration of exclusive breastfeeding was for less than 6 months compared to more than 6 months [AOR=8.069, 95% CI = 1.778-36.624, P=0.007] and the duration of continued breastfeeding was for less than 6 months compared to more than 6 months [AOR=12.586, 95% CI = 5.196-30.486, P=&lt;0.001].&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS&#x0D; The proportion of overweight and obesity was observed to be higher compared to other studies. Increased duration of breastfeeding appears to be a protective factor for the prevention of childhood overweight and obesity.

Luminescence chronology of the Sankosh river terraces in the Assam- Bhutan foothills of the Himalayas: Implications to climate and tectonics

Himalaya is an active fold and thrust belt formed due to continent-continent collision between the Eurasian and Indian plates. It comprises a 3000 km long chain of mountains that span ∼1000 km across, with major boundary thrusts viz., Main Central Thrust (MCT), Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) and the Main Frontal Thrust (MFT). MFT is marked as mountain front and is the most active thrust; however, evidence of tectonic activity along MCT and MBT also exists. Tectonic activity along MFT created uplifted terraces which now serve as geomorphic archives of past tectonic events. The present study focussed on a glacial-fed river Sankosh that originates in northern Bhutan, and crosses MCT, MBT and MFT before joining the Brahmaputra River in Assam. Due to tectonic uplift, the river shows a deflection at MFT, incising and thus forming four levels of strath terraces. Luminescence chronology, geomorphic studies and analysis of satellite images suggest four levels of terraces T4 (highest level, 195 m asl), T3, T2 and T1 (lowest level, 120 m asl). The quartz was found insensitive for luminescence dating, and thus fading corrected Infra-Red Stimulated Luminescence (IRSL) ages on feldspar minerals were measured that provided ages of 143-77 ka (T4), 65-36 ka (T2) and 35-14 ka (T1), respectively. The T3 terrace was present only on the right bank of the river and could not be accessed. These ages accord with other studies at the Chalsa and Malbazar, North Bengal (west of the study area) and this regional disposition of similar ages suggest that these formed during glacial-interglacial periods. The strath terraces indicate a time-averaged tectonic uplift with a 0.5 mm/year rate over the past 150 ka.

New Discoveries in Smaller Antiquities and a Unique Portrait Sculpture from Medieval Bengal Duars

This paper studies some unpublished smaller antiquities in stone, terracotta and copper alloys, made between the tenth and the thirteenth centuries, from the region of Bengal Duars, housed at the Archaeological Survey of India site-shed at Gosanimari, Coochbehar, and at the Akshaya Kumar Maitreya Heritage Museum of North Bengal University. While some of them represent a style stemming from the late-Pala period, others present a unique and region-specific artistic idiom. Most were found accidentally and collected by local historians and antiquarians, and were donated to the AKMHM; others were found at three prominent sites: Bhitargarh, Ghoshpukur and Gosanimari. These sites, situated in an ecologically fragile region, have a rich history of different kinds of local worship which were attuned to the environment and nature; the art of the region also reflects an interaction with the larger milieu of Indic and Himalayan religious practices. This article further investigates a large stone sculpture housed at the AKMHM, also from the Bengal Duars, and questions its labelling as a Danapati.

Traditional Drug Plants Sold by Herbal Healers in Districts of North Bengal Plains, West Bengal

Traditional Drug Plants Sold by Herbal Healers in Districts of North Bengal Plains, West Bengal

Feminist Methods, Methodology and Interpretations on Displacement and Livelihood Issues: A Study of Women Tea Plantation Workers, North Bengal, India

Feminist Methods, Methodology and Interpretations on Displacement and Livelihood Issues: A Study of Women Tea Plantation Workers, North Bengal, India

Chronic low back pain – its association with lumbar spinal canal diameter – a cross-sectional hospital-based study in a tertiary care hospital in North Bengal

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a very common cause of disability in working age adults, lumbar canal stenosis (LCS) being one of the chief anatomical correlates. However, number of studies seeking role of LCS in the origin of LBP are not many, particularly in India. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate LBP and its relation to lumbar canal diameter (LCD), also to evaluate the impact of psychosomatic factors on LBP. Materials and Methods: Eighty symptomatic (LBP) and 41 asymptomatic (without LBP) subjects were chosen and LCD for three lowest lumbar segments measured by 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging for both symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects was ascertained. Canal diameters of both groups were compared by Pearson’s Chi-square test. Pain intensity of patients was assessed using visual analog scale (VAS)-pain score. Using tests of normality and non-parametric test Spearman’s rank coefficient, correlation between VAS score (pain intensity) and lowest canal diameter of the cases was evaluated. To evaluate the role of psychosomatic factors in LBP, the number of subjects (LBP) with somatic symptoms disorder (SSD) score ≥8 was ascertained. Results: The results were as follows: (1) Significant association between presence of LCS (diameter &lt;10 mm) and LBP (P=0.015). (2) No significant correlation between intensity of LBP (VAS score) and LCD. (3) 13.75% of LBP patients had SSD (Male 8% and Female 23.33%). Conclusion: LCS may be an important factor in the origin of LBP. More studies are needed in this regard and also seeking correlation between LBP and other anatomical factors. Psychosocial factors may play important role in the origin and maintenance of LBP.

Struggle Against the Empire: Other Organisations and Cultural Nationalism

Dr B. R. Ambedkar noted that any freedom struggle or political change needs a base of cultural renaissance, reforms—both social and religious. Our retaliation against colonialists began from the very moment they tried to colonise India. Beginning with the Battle of Colachel that took place in 1741, there were uprisings from tribes in North East, Bengal and central India. Kuka Sikhs were the first to promote swadeshi, with the insistence on wearing hand woven clothes. This freedom struggle had many streams—earlier battles all over Bharat, revolutionary actions, organised arm struggle like Azad Hind Fauj (INA) and many streams of political thought that worked under the larger umbrella of the Indian National Congress while some worked independently. We had Home Rule League, Hindu Mahasabha, Swaraj Party and Congress Socialist Party (CSP). It was a long drawn struggle that was built on dharmic renaissance and cultural nationalism sparked by Swami Dayanand Saraswati. After working with revolutionaries and Congress party and studying history, Dr K. B. Hedgewar identified the problem of Bharat as a fractious Hindu society and the collective amnesia inculcated by the British. He decided to create a non-political organisation by first preparing battle-worthy citizens and founded the RSS. Contrary to critics’ claims, RSS too contributed to freedom struggle. Most important was its role on the eve of Independence in protecting Hindu-Sikh brethren from mindless violence and rehabilitating them when the leaders were busy celebrating the country’s independence on 15 August in 1947.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN 0.5% BUPIVACAINE (HEAVY) AND 2- CHLOROPROCAINE (PRESERVATIVE FREE) FOR SPINAL ANAESTHESIA IN ELECTIVE SHORT SURGICAL PROCEDURES

Background: Spinal anaesthesia is the preferred anaesthetic technique in lower abdominal surgeries but in case of short surgeries (&lt; 60 min), appropriate choice of local anaesthetic is of prime importance to prevent problems like prolonged motor block, delayed ambulation and delayed micturition postoperatively. Preservative free 2-Chloroprocaine has recently come up as a good alternative as compared to commonly used local anaesthetics. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the efcacy between 1% 2-Chloroprocaine and 0.5% Bupivacaine (heavy) in terms of early block resolution and early ambulation. Material And Methods: This prospective, randomised, double blinded, comparative study was conducted in the Department of Anaesthesiology, North Bengal Medical College and Hospital. One hundred and ten (110) patients of ASA physical status I or II and age of 18-60 yrs undergoing lower abdominal surgeries under spinal anaesthesia were chosen and randomly divided into two groups, Group A and Group B. Group A received 40 mg (4ml) of intrathecal 1% preservative free 2-Chloroprocaine and Group B received 12 mg (2.4ml) of intrathecal 0.5% Bupivacaine (heavy). After administration of intrathecal drugs, vital parameters were monitored and any intraoperative complications recorded. Onset and height of sensory block were monitored by pinprick method and degree of motor block was monitored by modied Bromage Scale – (0-3). Time to reach readiness for surgery, duration of sensory block and motor block, time to ambulation and micturition, any supplementation required and any complications were recorded. The data were analysed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: The patients in Group A had a lower duration of motor block in comparision to those in Group B [81 ± 11 min vs 142 ± 29 min (P&lt;0.001)]. The duration of sensory block was also signicantly lower in Group A as compared to Group B [100 ± 14 min vs 188 ± 39 min (P&lt;0.001)]. Also patients in Group A had lower time to ambulation than those in Group B[142 ± 24 min vs 280 ± 51 min (P&lt;0.001)] as well as lower time to micturition as compared to those in Group B[204 ± 37 min vs 365 ± 57 min (P&lt;0.001)]. Conclusion: For spinal anaesthesia in lower abdominal short surgical procedures, intrathecal 2-Chloroprocaine produces a satisfactory surgical block and is a better drug in comparison to hyperbaric bupivacaine with respect to faster block resolution and ambulation.

Prevalence of hemoglobin variants and their effect on Hba1c measurement among the indigenous population of north Bengal attending a tertiary care hospital

Background: Several forms of hemoglobin variants might be present in the population being fully or partially silent. Furthermore, a high percentage of the population is already suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) which is mainly monitored by HbA1cestimation. As the structure of hemoglobin molecule is altered by the variant status hence, this might have an impact on the HbA1c estimation. Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of hemoglobin variant and its effect on the HbA1c estimation. Materials and Methods: Samples from 439 individuals were taken and evaluated for any hemoglobin variants,andalso, the HbA1c values were measured. Results: About 27.4% of the study population were found to have hemoglobin variants, out of this 27.4%, 19.5% were Hb E carrier and 6.45% were Hb E diseased. About 22.3% of the population were suffering from DM. Hb variants had significant effect on HbA1C measurement in the overall study population and in the normal population with P&lt;0.001. Two-way ANOVA also showed Hb variant and diabetes status significantly affected HbA1C value with P&lt;0.001 in the study population. Conclusion: All the patients should be properly evaluated for Hb variants before interpreting the results of Hb A1C to prevent improper management.

Phytochemical, Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Antifungal Investigations of Thuja orientalis Cone

Background of the Study: Thuja orientalis L. is an indigenous medicinal plant belonging to family Cupressaceae found in Darjeeling Himalayan region, Dooars and Tarai region of India. The plant cone has been used traditionally as medicine to treat various diseases, like bronchitis, bacterial skin infection, osteoarthritis, trigeminal neuralgia.&#x0D; Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the plant cone for phytochemical constinuents, and in vitro antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: All the experiments were done in the Department of Biotechnology, University of North Bengal, Darjeeling, West Bengal, 734013, India.&#x0D; Methodology: Methanolic extract of T. orientalis cone was analyzed for phytochemicals by various biochemical methods. Antioxidant properties were analyzed by in vitro assays of DPPH, ABTS, NO and H2O2 scavenging. Antibacterial property was analyzed by agar well diffusion method and antifungal assay was monitored by radial growth bioassay.&#x0D; Results: Methanolic extract of T. orientalis cone contained flavonoid, phenol, saponin, tannin, terpenoid and alkaloid. The extract showed significant in-vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.&#x0D; Conclusions: The study revealed that T. orientalis cone has potential as source of antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal agents. Our further study is directed towards the isolation, and characterization of active compound from methanolic extract and evaluation of its potentiality against high blood sugar.

Changing occurrence of crop water surplus or deficit and the impact of irrigation: An analysis highlighting consequences for rice production in Bangladesh

Disentangling the impacts of water deficit and lack of irrigation infrastructure on critical food supplies such as rice in countries like Bangladesh remains a challenge. In this paper, we explore this challenge using North Bengal as a case study site over 1979–2018. We characterise crop water surplus/deficit with meteorological and soil moisture data and analyse the coherence of these timeseries with rice production in the study region. We then examine the trends, periodicities and degree of coherence between crop water surplus/deficit, irrigation, and rice production. Our results indicate an almost constant water deficit during winter and maximum water deficits in the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods. Critically, crop water surplus shows a significantly decreasing trend since 1979 during the monsoon period. We find that the correlation between crop water surplus/deficit, while strongly correlated with meteorological drought, weakens over time. This is suggestive of the important role that irrigation development has played over this period. Although the severity and frequency of water deficits have increased during the study period, possibly as a result of climate change or variability, rice production has decoupled from this trend and is instead positively correlated with irrigation. Despite this encouraging finding, it is unknown if technological progress will continue and whether there will be sufficient extractable groundwater and surface water to meet increasing irrigation demand in the future. Our finding of a long-term increase in water deficit underscores the likely future challenges in these critical rice growing regions for the people of Bangladesh, should this trend continue. The future sufficient rice production in the region will likely rely on the availability of reliable and affordable fuel or electric power to operate irrigation systems and a proactive and vigilant approach to agricultural water security in a variable and changing climate.