Punjab’s agriculture sector reels under 2.5 lakh acres of submerged farmland; economists and farmers urge adoption of flood-resilient crops, robust insurance schemes, and long-term infrastructure planning to avert repeat disasters.
Punjab’s economy, deeply rooted in agriculture, is under existential threat as floods — triggered by incessant monsoon rains and swollen catchments — have left over 2.5 lakh acres of farmland submerged. Farmers across key districts like Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Kapurthala, and Pathankot report loss of standing crops, damaged irrigation systems, and turn a worried gaze toward sowing in the coming Rabi season.
Field reports reveal everything from drenched paddy fields to uprooted windbreaks and impassable access roads, cutting farmers off from markets and services. Smallholder families have banded together in hapless attempts to salvage seeds, while others await relief packages and compensation. The resulting livelihood uncertainty has stoked anxiety, especially among those with informal debts and no collateral, who now face risks of pushing into poverty.
Agricultural experts are calling for immediate activation of crop insurance payouts, fast-track compensation, and long-term support such as seed replacement, soil testing, and machinery reimbursements. But beyond recovery, emphasis is growing on climate-resilient farming practices—including flood-tolerant crop varieties, raised-bed agriculture, adjusted planting calendars and diversified cropping to reduce risk exposure.
Policymakers and climate specialists are urging the state to adopt integrated watershed management, invest in storm drainage networks, reinforcing embankments and scaling up disaster preparedness training for agro-communities. The crisis, they say, exposes the fragility of Punjab’s unidimensional agriculture model, and offers a grim opportunity to recalibrate toward more robust, climate-smart systems.
The upcoming visit from the Union Agriculture Minister promises to bring federal support—but whether the response extends beyond reactive aid to strategic resilience remains critical. For now, Punjab’s farmers await clarity: whether the recovery will merely patch wounds, or pave a new, safer path for future seasons.
This is a web generated news report.
