Ludhiana, 6 September: The ongoing floods in Punjab have left farmers reeling under unprecedented losses, with many calling it the worst disaster in three decades. Continuous rains and swollen rivers have submerged fields, destroyed standing paddy crops, and washed away homes in several districts.
Farmers from Jalandhar and Ludhiana districts say they have “lost everything.” “Our fields are under six feet of water. We don’t know how we will repay debts,” said Harpal Singh, a farmer from Phillaur.
The Punjab government has announced compensation and free rations for affected families, but villagers complain that help is too little, too late. “Despite warnings, embankments were not strengthened. This is negligence,” said a farmer leader.
Agricultural experts estimate that thousands of hectares of crops have been destroyed, dealing a severe blow to Punjab’s agrarian economy. With the floodwater not receding, authorities fear outbreaks of waterborne diseases in relief camps.
The Centre has assured support, but farmers are demanding immediate loan waivers and long-term rehabilitation measures.
