Flood-hit Fazilka farmers turn crisis into source of livelihood

The state government’s policy ‘Jisda Khet, Usdi Ret’ is proving to be a silver lining for flood-hit farmers in Fazilka district.

While the swollen Sutlej left several hundred acres of fertile land buried under 3-5 feet of sand, the policy has helped affected farmers turn this crisis into a source of livelihood.

A visit to Dona Nanka village, located near the International Border, revealed some activity with tractor-trailers and heavy machines working to remove sand from fields. Farmers are earning around Rs 500 per tractor-trailer (weighing roughly 100 qtl) as charges from trailer owners ferrying the sand.

Hardly any farmers were seen filling sand and taking it to the town to sell on their own.

Some farmers have gone a step further, leasing their land to private contractors, who have deployed heavy machinery such as poclain excavators, charging around Rs 1,500 per trailer.

Satnam Singh, 45, said the policy had come as a “lifeline” in these difficult times. “Jisda Khet, Usdi Ret is making us self-reliant. At least we can earn some money from the sand, though it will take months to make the land cultivable again and we will not be able to sow wheat crop this year. Had the state government given this task to some department, we would not have got a single rupee,” he said.

Satnam, however, voiced concern over the use of heavy machinery. “If the work was done manually, hundreds of labourers could get employment. Heavy machines are taking away jobs,” he said.

Jarnail Singh, 65, whose paddy crop was completely washed away, said, “There is nearly 3 ft of sand in my fields. This is the third day of quarrying in this area. We are getting Rs 500 per trailer, which is a little amount, though dealers are earning much more. They have reduced sand prices since it is now easily available.”

Amarjit Singh, husband of Sarpanch Saroj Rani, said, “In our village, nearly 250 acres of land are covered with sand and another 100 acres are under water. Our fields fall within the revenue records of Mahatam Nagar village. The situation is improving slowly. MLA Narinder Pal Singh Sawna has worked hard to help us.”

A private contractor’s executive, requesting anonymity, said, “We are waiting for more trailers to arrive. The machines often remain idle. Only a few vehicle owners from Fazilka, Jalalabad, Malout and Muktsar are coming so far.”

Explaining the economics behind sand transportation business, trailer operators said, “It costs Rs 2,500 per trip, including diesel, loading and labour, while a loaded trailer fetches Rs 3,500 in the market. Dealers, however, sell the same sand to consumers for Rs 5,000.”

Meanwhile, approach roads such as the one after Kanwawali Bridge remain badly damaged, making access difficult. Floodwater, remnants of paddy and cotton crops and clouds of dust still dominate the landscape.

Jarnail said, “We have returned home. With hard work, we will rebuild everything. Some philanthropists are still visiting and helping us.”