The state of Punjab, known as India’s breadbasket, has been devastated by record-breaking monsoon floods. Farmlands covering an area nearly equal to London and New York combined now lie under water, destroying crops and livestock and leaving thousands of families in despair.

Worst Flood Disaster in Decades

India’s Agriculture Minister admitted during a recent visit that “the crops have been destroyed and ruined,” while Punjab’s Chief Minister described the disaster as one of the worst floods in decades. Local farmers recall the last time they witnessed such destruction was in 1988.

In Shehzada village, 70-year-old farmer Balkar Singh said his paddy fields had turned into marshland, and his house walls cracked under pressure from the gushing water.

Climate Change and Rising Floods

Floods and landslides are common during the June–September monsoon, but experts say climate change and unplanned development are making disasters more severe and frequent.

Punjab recorded 66% more rainfall than average in August, according to India’s weather department. The floods have killed at least 52 people and impacted over 400,000 residents.

In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a $180 million relief package for Punjab.

Villages Under Water

In Toor village, located between the Ravi River and the Pakistan border, floodwaters rose to 10 feet within minutes on August 26.

“We were stranded on rooftops for nearly a week,” said farm worker Surjan Lal. “Everything—our homes, animals, and belongings—was washed away.”

In nearby Lassia village, farmer Rakesh Kumar lost both owned and leased farmland. “All my investment is gone. I don’t even know if my fields will be ready for the next wheat crop,” he said.

For landless laborers like Mandeep Kaur, the suffering is worse. Her home was destroyed, and she now sleeps under a tarpaulin sheet, exposed to snakes crawling across the damp land.

Economic Impact: Basmati Rice at Risk

Punjab is India’s largest supplier of rice and wheat for the country’s food security program, which feeds 800 million people. Analysts say domestic supply may remain stable due to buffer stocks, but exports of premium basmati rice are likely to drop.

“Lower production in Indian and Pakistan Punjab will hit basmati rice output, exports, and prices,” said Avinash Kishore of the International Food Policy Research Institute.

The crisis comes as Indian basmati already struggles against US tariffs, making it less competitive internationally.

Recovery Challenges for Farmers

Punjab’s farmers face a long road to recovery. The state had opted out of India’s crop insurance scheme, assuming its advanced irrigation system made it low-risk. Now, with knee-deep water still covering fields, many fear the worst.

“I don’t know what the future holds for us,” said Balkar Singh, standing in his flooded paddy fields.