Flood-hit Ludhiana farmers stare at low crop yield, poor returns

Continuous rains, followed by floods in several parts of Punjab have dealt a severe blow to farmers, who were hoping for good returns from paddy crop this season. The average yield, which usually hovers around 70-80 per cent, has fallen to barely 60 per cent, leaving cultivators anxious and financially strained. The situation is particularly grim for those who had taken land on lease, as they would have to pay rent to landlords regardless of crop loss.

Talking to The Tribune, Kulwinder Singh Sony, a farmer from Jodhan, said he owned 70 acres, half of which is on lease. “I have suffered losses to the tune of ?30,000 per acre due to reduced yield caused by floods and heavy rains. Despite this, we still have to pay the landlords. They neither listen to us, nor understand our plight,” he said.

Farmer union leader Tarsem Singh Jodhan said many farmers were facing similar hardships. “The yield is much lower this time, resulting in heavy losses. On top of that, the discolouring of grains has created additional problems as such produce is not being lifted from mandis. We urge the government to compensate all farmers whose crops have been damaged due to natural calamities,” he said.

Meanwhile, officials claimed that paddy arrival and lifting were progressing smoothly across the district. Till date, a total of 9,04,484 metric tonnes of paddy has arrived in Ludhiana mandis, of which 95,988 metric tonnes remain unlifted.

Shefali Chopra, DFSC (East), said lifting was being done on a regular basis without any major hiccups. “As per government specifications, the paddy is being lifted systematically,” she maintained.