Relentless rains worry Punjab farmers as waterlogging threatens crops

Early and persistent monsoon rains across Punjab have left farmers increasingly anxious about the fate of their standing crops. While rainfall is generally beneficial for agriculture, experts warn that excessive and stagnant water could spell trouble—especially for cotton.

Dr Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension Education at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), explained that paddy thrives in water-rich conditions, making the rains a welcome development for rice growers.

“Paddy requires a lot of water, so the rainfall is helpful. However, farmers must ensure that water does not stagnate in the fields for more than 48 hours, or it could damage the crop,” he said.

However, cotton cultivators tell a different story.

Dr Vijay Kumar, Principal Entomologist, echoed Bhullar’s caution.

“Cotton is highly sensitive to waterlogging. If water remains stagnant, especially during the flowering and boll formation stages, it can severely impact yield and quality,” he said.

Waterlogging in Fazilka raises alarm

Fazilka, which accounts for nearly 60 per cent of Punjab’s cotton cultivation, has reported waterlogging in several villages. Farmers near Maujgarh say their fields have been inundated for days, leading to visible crop damage.

“We’ve never seen such continuous rain in August,” said Baldev Singh, a cotton farmer from Maujgarh.

“The plants are wilting, and the soil is too soggy to work with. I’m worried about losing the entire crop,” Singh added.

Rainfall brings relief from whiteflies

Despite the challenges, the rains have brought one unexpected benefit: a decline in whitefly population.

According to entomologists, high humidity and rainfall physically dislodge whiteflies from plants, reducing their numbers and limiting crop infestation. A meta-analysis of whitefly behaviour confirms that rainfall increases mortality rates among these pests.

This is particularly good news for cotton growers in districts like Bathinda, Mansa, Muktsar, Faridkot and Sangrur, where whitefly outbreaks have historically caused significant losses.

Experts advise vigilance

Agricultural experts urge farmers to monitor their fields closely and take preventive steps to drain excess water.

“The next few days are critical,” said Bhullar.

“If the rains continue and drainage is poor, we could see widespread damage—not just to cotton, but also to pulses and vegetables,” he added.

"We are closely monitoring the situation in cotton-growing belts, especially Fazilka. Our teams are conducting field visits and advising farmers to ensure proper drainage. Compensation will be considered for verified crop losses,” said an official from agriculture department.

As Punjab navigates this unpredictable monsoon, farmers remain hopeful but cautious. The rains may nourish the soil, but without proper management, they could also wash away months of hard work.