The government on Sunday issued an agro-meteorological alert on possible damage of Boro crop in 25 districts, as a cyclonic storm named 'Amphan' might pass Bangladesh coast by May 20.
Heavy rain and wind are expected to occur from May 19 to May 21 for the storm.
Subsequently, the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) under the Ministry of Agriculture sent the cautionary alert to 25 coastal districts. DAE has advised farmers to harvest their standing Boro paddy beforehand, if 80 per cent of the crop is matured.
The Met Office in its forecast said the cyclonic storm 'Amphan' (pronounced as um-pun) over south-east Bay of Bengal and adjacent areas moved slowly north-westwards with a speed of 03 kilometres per hour (kmph) on Sunday noon, gradually intensifying into a severe storm.
It was centred over central parts of South Bay and neighbourhood on Sunday noon - at about 1,325 km south-southwest of Chattogram port, 1,260 km south-southwest of Cox's Bazar, 1,250 km of Mongla, and 1,230 km of Payra port.
It is very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during the next 12 hours, said meteorologist Dr Sadequl Alam.
He said the storm is very likely to move slowly northwards during the next 24 hours and then re-curve north-northeastwards and move fast across north-west Bay of Bengal.
It might cross Digha in West Bengal of India and Hatiya Islands of Bangladesh on May 20.
Meanwhile, Chattogram, Mongla, Payra and Cox's Bazar ports have been advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal number four.
The fishermen are advised not to venture into the Bay of Bengal during May 17-21.
Besides, DAE has advised farmers to collect their matured vegetables and fruits, according to its Agro-met Alert.
People in 25 districts under Dhaka, Chattogram and Khulna divisions have also been advised to keep their cattle and birds in safe places.
Agriculture Information Services (AIS) spokesperson Md Golam Mawla told the FE that the cautionary signal has been mailed to all DAE officials concerned in 25 districts.
He said 60-70 per cent harvest of Boro crop has been completed in the districts so far.
DAE workers from district headquarters to village level have been told to keep farmers alert on the issue.
Mosques, temples and other religious and social institutions are also being used to alert people, he added.
Earlier, cyclonic storm 'Bulbul' hit parts of Bangladesh in November 09, 2019.