October 10 , 2025 : A shortfall of nearly 10 lakh paddy bags is expected this procurement season from the flood-affected regions of Punjab and Haryana, as prolonged waterlogging and crop damage have severely impacted yields. Agricultural experts and procurement officials have confirmed that large tracts of farmland in low-lying areas have suffered extensive losses due to continuous rainfall and subsequent flooding during the sowing and early harvesting period.
According to preliminary estimates shared by the state food and civil supplies departments, the floods that hit parts of Rupnagar, Patiala, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Mansa in Punjab, along with adjoining areas in Haryana, have reduced the expected paddy output significantly. The damage has been particularly severe in fields located near riverbanks and canals, where stagnant water persisted for several weeks, stunting plant growth and affecting grain quality.
Officials from the Punjab Mandi Board said that while the procurement process has started smoothly in most mandis, arrivals from flood-hit pockets have been much lower than usual. “We are witnessing a clear decline in the quantity of paddy arriving from affected areas. Based on current trends, the shortfall could touch around 10 lakh bags by the end of the procurement cycle,” an official said.
The floods, which struck during the critical growth phase of the paddy crop, led to significant nutrient loss in the soil and increased fungal infections. Many farmers were forced to replant or abandon their fields altogether. In several cases, the crop that survived is of inferior quality and may not meet Food Corporation of India (FCI) procurement standards for milling-grade paddy.
Farmer unions have expressed concern over the losses, urging both state and central governments to provide adequate compensation and relaxation in procurement norms. “Farmers in flood-affected areas have worked hard despite losing much of their crop. The government should ensure that even slightly damaged grain is accepted at a fair price so that growers are not pushed into debt,” said Balbir Singh Rajewal, a prominent farmers’ leader.
The Punjab government has already begun assessing the damage and preparing a proposal for relief compensation. Preliminary surveys indicate that over 1.5 lakh hectares of farmland across multiple districts suffered moderate to severe impact. Officials said compensation will be disbursed after the final crop damage reports are compiled by the agriculture and revenue departments.
Meanwhile, procurement agencies have been instructed to set up additional drying platforms in mandis to handle moisture-laden paddy. “We are trying to minimize losses by ensuring timely procurement and drying of wet paddy. Farmers are being advised not to store freshly harvested grain in damp conditions,” said a senior official from the Punjab Food and Supplies Department.
Experts warn that this year’s shortfall could slightly disrupt the region’s contribution to the central pool, though overall procurement targets are expected to be met through arrivals from unaffected districts. Punjab, often called the ‘food bowl of India,’ contributes nearly 30–35% of the total rice procured by FCI every year. However, this localized shortfall underscores the vulnerability of agriculture to extreme weather patterns driven by climate change.
In Haryana, where parts of Kurukshetra and Ambala were inundated earlier this season, similar challenges persist. Procurement officials there have reported around 1–1.5 lakh bags fewer arrivals compared to the same period last year. The state government has sought central assistance to restore damaged rural infrastructure, including link roads to procurement centers.
Agricultural scientists from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, have attributed the recurring flood-related crop damage to inadequate drainage systems and excessive dependence on water-intensive paddy varieties. They recommend a gradual shift towards flood-resistant and short-duration rice hybrids, which can withstand erratic rainfall and reduce yield losses.
“There is a pressing need to diversify cropping patterns and improve water management. Unless structural changes are made, such shortfalls will become more common in the coming years,” said Dr. Manjit Singh, an agronomist at PAU.
Despite the challenges, officials remain optimistic that procurement operations will continue smoothly, with the Food Corporation of India and state agencies ensuring timely lifting and payments to farmers. However, the financial stress on farmers from flood-affected belts remains a major concern. Many cultivators have taken loans for replanting and fear mounting losses if the government does not offer immediate relief.
As Punjab and Haryana continue to recover from the monsoon damage, the 10 lakh bag shortfall serves as a reminder of the growing impact of extreme weather on India’s agrarian economy. The need for climate-resilient farming practices, improved flood control measures, and enhanced crop insurance coverage has never been more urgent.
Summary
Flood-hit regions in Punjab and Haryana face a shortfall of nearly 10 lakh paddy bags this season as heavy rains and waterlogging devastate crops, prompting urgent calls for compensation and support.