Experts recommend crop alternatives, soil recovery measures for flood-hit fields

The recent floods have caused widespread damage across Punjab, disrupting the agricultural cycle at a critical juncture. With paddy harvesting typically beginning in late September and wheat sowing scheduled from the end of October, many farmers are now dealing with devastated crops and fields covered with sand and silt.

Restoring soil fertility has become the immediate priority before the next crop cycle begins. Agriculture experts from Lovely Professional University - Dr Chandra Mohan, Associate Dean and Professor of Agronomy; Dr US Walia, Professor of Agronomy; and Dr Rajiv Gupta, Professor of Soil Science - have outlined practical recovery measures to aid farmers in managing post-flood challenges.

The experts stress that effective management of sand and silt deposits is crucial. Where deposits are around two to three inches, normal ploughing is sufficient to incorporate them into the soil. In lighter soils with silt layers up to nine inches, deep ploughing using a chiseller is recommended. In contrast, for heavy soils, deposits exceeding three inches should be physically removed. Soil testing after floods is essential to assess nutrient levels and inform appropriate fertiliser use.

For the upcoming wheat season, the experts advise that if adequate soil moisture is present, farmers may proceed with sowing on schedule without the need for pre-sown irrigation. In waterlogged fields, bed planting of wheat or transplanting 30-day-old seedlings of gobhi-sarson can be considered. In areas where soil is workable by September, toria may be sown, which allows wheat cultivation after its harvest. Potato is also a viable option, with the possibility of following it with spring maize.

Weed management requires special attention, as floodwaters may introduce unfamiliar weed species. Timely control is necessary to safeguard crops. Addressing the issue of fodder shortage, the experts suggest sowing mixtures such as maize with cowpea or sorghum with cowpea in fields that become workable by September. During October, raya sarson along with toria can be grown to ensure faster availability of fodder.

By implementing these strategies, the experts believe farmers can not only rehabilitate their land but also make productive use of the remaining agricultural season, turning adversity into an opportunity for resilience and recovery.