Punjab Seeks ₹151 Crore Central Assistance After Floods Damage 5 Lakh Acres of Crops
Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian has requested an extra ₹151 crore under RKVY to restore flood-affected farmlands in Punjab’s border districts. Speaking at the National Rabi Campaign Conference, he cited crop losses over 5 lakh acres in 2,185 villages and sought certified seeds, fertilisers, and pending central funds for recovery support.
19 September 2025, Chandigarh: Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian has sought an additional ₹151 crore from the central government under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) to restore farmlands affected by the recent floods in border districts.
The request was made to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan during the National Conference on Rabi Campaign 2025, where Khuddian highlighted that nearly 5 lakh acres of crops were damaged across 2,185 villages in Punjab. Districts including Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Kapurthala, Fazilka, and Ferozepur have reported severe losses, with up to five feet of silt and sand deposited in fields.
Focus on Seed and Fertiliser Supply
Khuddian urged immediate release of funds under the DPR component of RKVY to provide relief to affected farmers and revive the state’s agriculture economy. He also sought ₹80 crore to supply 2 lakh quintals of certified wheat seed under the Seed Village Programme, along with ₹25 lakh under the National Food Security Mission for wheat seed distribution.
Additionally, he appealed for 637 quintals of mustard seed and 375 quintals of urad seed, while stressing the need for timely supply of DAP and urea to avoid delays in the upcoming rabi sowing. He also requested the release of ₹8,000 crore pending under RDF and other funds.
“Punjab has always stood with the nation during times of crisis. Now it is time for the Centre to extend its support to help the state recover from this calamity,” Khuddian said.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured that the Centre would take all necessary steps to support flood-hit Punjab. The conference also reviewed rabi season preparedness with participation from representatives of various states.
Despite the government’s appeals, the impact of floods remains visible across affected areas, with farmers’ organisations reiterating their call for urgent central assistance.
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Source : Global Agriculture
