The state of Punjab, India’s agricultural heartland, has been devastated by record-breaking floods during this year’s monsoon season. Known as the breadbasket of India, Punjab has lost farmlands nearly the size of London and New York City combined, leaving farmers in crisis and raising fears over the future of rice and wheat production.
Crops Destroyed Across Punjab
Fields once green with paddy crops are now waterlogged and rotting. Livestock carcasses and damaged homes add to the stench of destruction. India’s agriculture minister admitted during a visit that “the crops have been destroyed and ruined,” while Punjab’s chief minister described the floods as one of the worst disasters in decades.
Veteran farmers recall a similar flood only in 1988, calling this year’s event “all-consuming.”
Deaths, Damage, and Displacement
According to the Indian Meteorological Department, Punjab received almost 65% more rainfall in August compared to the average, triggering flash floods and landslides. The disaster has killed at least 52 people and impacted over 400,000 residents.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a relief package of $180 million, but farmers say recovery will take years.
Villages Submerged Overnight
In Gurdaspur’s worst-affected villages, residents described walls of water rising up to 10 feet high within minutes.
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“We were trapped on rooftops as the floods carried away our animals and homes,” said farm worker Surjan Lal.
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Farmer Rakesh Kumar reported losing both owned and leased farmland: “All my investment is gone. I fear my fields won’t be ready in time to sow wheat.”
For landless laborers like Mandeep Kaur, survival has become even harder. Her house was washed away, forcing her family to sleep under a tarpaulin sheet, constantly threatened by snakes slithering across the damp land.
Impact on India’s Food Security and Exports
Punjab plays a critical role in supplying rice and wheat to India’s food security program, which feeds over 800 million people. While domestic supply remains stable due to buffer stocks, experts warn that premium basmati rice exports will take a major hit.
“Lower output in Indian and Pakistani Punjab will push up basmati rice prices globally,” explained Avinash Kishore of the International Food Policy Research Institute.
Already burdened by US tariffs, Indian basmati farmers face even tighter competition as exports shrink.
Farmers Left Without Insurance Support
Punjab’s road to recovery is complicated by the state’s earlier decision to opt out of the federal crop insurance scheme, citing high costs and a “low-risk” irrigation profile. This leaves many farmers without financial support to rebuild.
Elderly farmer Balkar Singh summarized the uncertainty:
“The water on my farm is still knee-deep. I don’t know what the future holds for us.”
