Government to Provide Compensation for Crop Loss Due to Floods and Heavy Rain

Key Highlights

• Compensation for farmers affected by floods and heavy rain.
• Cotton and groundnut crops were severely damaged.
• The central team deployed to assess crop damage in Gujarat.
• Cotton sowing declined across the country.
• Groundnut sowing increased despite flood challenges.

Farmers across multiple states have faced severe damage to their crops due to heavy rainfall and floods. Crops such as cotton, groundnut, soybean, and pulses have been the worst hit, and the government is stepping in to provide much-needed relief.

Significant Damage to Cotton and Groundnut Crops

This year, Kharif season crops have suffered heavily due to unexpected floods. Cotton and groundnut crops in Gujarat, in particular, have seen extensive damage. Additionally, states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan have reported significant losses in pulses and oilseeds due to the rain.

The central government has deployed a special team to assess the crop damage in Gujarat. Based on the findings, compensation will be provided to the affected farmers to help mitigate their losses.

Impact on Cotton and Groundnut Production

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the Saurashtra and Kutch regions of Gujarat experienced intense rainfall, causing flood-like situations. These floods have severely affected cotton crops, while groundnut crops have suffered by being submerged in water. Agricultural experts predict a reduction in cotton production this season, which could impact the market supply. Similarly, a potential decline in groundnut production is anticipated, which may also affect its availability.

In response to the declining prices of cotton, many farmers have shifted towards growing Basmati rice and other crops, especially in states like Punjab.

The decline in Cotton Acreage in 2024-25

According to the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, cotton sowing has declined across India for the 2024-25 Kharif season. As of August 20, 2024, cotton was sown in 111.07 lakh hectares across the country, down from 122.15 lakh hectares last year. In Gujarat, cotton was sown in 26.83 lakh hectares during the 2023-24 season.

Increase in Groundnut Sowing

Despite the damage from floods, the groundnut crop saw an increase in sowing this season. Groundnut has been sown in 46.82 lakh hectares this year, compared to 43.14 lakh hectares last year. In Gujarat alone, groundnut sowing has surpassed the annual average of 17.51 lakh hectares over the last three years. This is the highest groundnut sowing area in the state since the 2021 Kharif season, with more than 18 lakh hectares covered.

Kharif Crop Sowing Across India

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare reported a rise in the overall Kharif crop cultivation area this year. Paddy has been sown in 394.28 lakh hectares, up from 378.04 lakh hectares last year. Coarse grains (Shri Anna) have also seen an increase in sowing, with 185.51 lakh hectares covered this year, compared to 177.50 lakh hectares last year.

Oilseed cultivation has increased slightly to 188.87 lakh hectares, compared to 187.36 lakh hectares last year. Pulses have also seen growth, with cultivation in 122.16 lakh hectares, up from 115.55 lakh hectares last year.

Relief for Farmers

The government’s compensation for crop loss will provide some relief to farmers who have suffered due to the floods. This aid is crucial as it will help farmers recover from the setbacks and continue their agricultural activities despite the challenging weather conditions.

Also Read: Sugarcane Karan 17: High-Yielding, Disease-Resistant Variety

CMV360 Says

With the heavy rains and floods impacting major crops like cotton and groundnut, the government's compensation initiative is a vital lifeline for affected farmers. The increase in sowing areas for certain crops reflects resilience in the agricultural sector, but immediate relief will be essential for sustaining productivity in the coming seasons.