Punjab farmers face heavy losses as floods, rains devastate paddy crop

Continuous rains followed by floods in several parts of Punjab have dealt a severe blow to farmers who were hoping for good returns from their 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 have taken land on lease, as they must pay rent to landlords regardless of crop loss.

Talking to The Tribune, Kulwinder Singh Sony, a farmer from Jodhan, said he owns 70 acres of land—half of which is on lease.

“I have suffered losses to the tune of Rs 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 nor understand our plight,” he said.

Farmer union leader Tarsem Singh Jodhan said many farmers are facing similar hardships. “The yield is much lower this time, resulting in heavy losses. On top of that, the discolouration 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 or underperformed due to natural calamities,” he demanded.

Meanwhile, officials claim that paddy arrival and lifting are 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.