About 25,000 hectares are turning into double-crop lands in Sylhet district this year with cultivation of Irri-Boro in the current season for the first time. Loss of Amon paddy this year compelled farmers to cultivate Irri-Boro on the vast lands left fallow earlier. Farmers in large number in Sylhet Sadar, Golapganj, Beanibazar, Kanaighat, Zakiganj and Jaintapur upazilas are bringing the lands under paddy cultivation to recoup crop loss due to floods. While visiting some areas in Beanibazar, Golapganj and Jaintapur recently, this correspondent saw farmers sowing Irri-Boro in their lands. They are hopeful of getting a bumper Boro crop. Abdul Hasib Rezu at Mairchabari village in Golapganj said, "We never grew Boro on the lands. We have decided to grow Boro this year and have arranged irrigation'. Abdul Haq of Charkhai village in Beanibazar said, "Loss of Amon paddy compelled farmers in the area to go for Boro cultivation for the first time'. This will change paddy cultivation scenario in the area, he said. Deputy director of Sylhet Agriculture Extension Department (AED) Zahurul Islam said, farmers in large numbers in the district have come up with the idea of expanding Boro cultivation on hitherto fallow lands. Most of the lands remained uncultivated for long as their owners stay abroad, he said. The AED official said, about one lakh hectares remain uncultivated in Sylhet district. This year for the first time, about 25,000 hectares are being brought under Boro.