The recent floods that swept across several districts in Punjab have left the farming community in deep distress, with the Government acknowledging damage to crops on over two lakh hectares, approximately five lakh acres. However, the actual economic blow suffered by the farmers appears to be far more devastating, with estimated losses ranging between Rs 5,000 crore and Rs 6,000 crore, or higher.

A majority of the affected area was under paddy cultivation, the state’s principal kharif crop. Other crops like sugarcane, maize, and vegetables were also grown in some pockets and severely hit.

A breakdown of the economics involved paints a grim picture.

Crop loss per acre: a heavy price

On one acre of paddy, the input cost — including seeds, fertilizers, labour and other expenses — comes to

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