Punjab, 4 September 2025 (Punjab Flood Crisis) — Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited the flood-ravaged regions of Punjab today, including Ghonewal village in Amritsar, Begowal in Kapurthala, and Dharamkot Randhawa and Behrampur villages in Gurdaspur district. During his visit, Shri Chouhan met with affected farmers, assessed crop losses in waterlogged fields, and listened to the grievances of the farming community.
Dreadful Flood Impact Devastates Crops and Villages
The Minister described the situation as grim and heartbreaking, with crops completely destroyed across approximately 1,400 villages. Floodwaters have inundated farmland since 26 August 2025, with the Ravi river still releasing water into agricultural fields. The extensive silt deposits and submerged crops have put the entire harvest and subsequent cropping cycles in jeopardy. “My farmer brothers and sisters should not worry; the government stands firmly with them,” Shri Chouhan stated, emphasizing that all possible relief and assistance will be provided.
Central and State Government Coordinated Response
On behalf of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, two high-level Central teams comprising officials from the Ministries of Agriculture, Rural Development, Roads, Energy, Finance, and Jal Shakti have been deployed to Punjab to conduct detailed assessments. These teams, in coordination with the State Government, are tasked with evaluating the extent of damage and preparing a comprehensive report to guide relief measures. The Union Minister assured that the affected farmers and communities will be consulted to ensure responsive support.
Punjab’s Pivotal Role in National Food Security
Shri Chouhan praised Punjab as the “shield of the nation,” acknowledging its vital contribution to India’s food security. He reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering complete relief not only to farmers but to all affected residents of Punjab. “The nation is united in standing with Punjab in this hour of crisis,” he affirmed.
Local Leadership Engagement
Governor of Punjab Shri Gulab Chand Kataria welcomed the Union Minister at Amritsar airport and briefed him with a detailed flood impact report. Senior state officials, including Punjab Agriculture Minister Shri Gurmeet Singh Khudian, accompanied Shri Chouhan during the visit, underscoring the collaborative efforts to mitigate flood damage.
Calls for Enhanced Compensation and Support
Following the visit, state leaders have actively called on the Central Government for a substantial financial relief package, demanding an increase in crop damage compensation to at least Rs 50,000 per acre, well above the current Rs 6,800 per acre. The extensive flooding across over 4 lakh acres of farmland, especially paddy fields just before harvest, has inflicted massive losses that threaten both regional livelihoods and national food supplies.
Conclusion of Flood Crisis
The Union Agriculture Minister’s visit symbolizes the government’s urgent response towards flood recovery in Punjab. With coordinated efforts of various ministries and state authorities, comprehensive relief and rehabilitation efforts are underway to restore agricultural productivity, safeguard rural economies, and provide solace to the distressed farming community. During his visit, Shri Chouhan met with affected farmers, assessed crop losses in waterlogged fields, and listened to the grievances of the farming community. The Union Minister assured that the affected farmers and communities will be consulted to ensure responsive support.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
Source: PIB
