Durgapur barrage flooding submerges thousands of acres of Aman paddy in Bankura district

The Durgapur Barrage has unleashed devastating floods across Bankura district, submerging thousands of acres of Aman paddy and vegetable fields in an unprecedented agricultural crisis. The flooding occurred shortly before the Durga Puja festival, a significant time for farmers who depend on their crops for income. Key areas severely impacted include Sonamukhi, Barjora, Indas, and Patrasaayer, where entire fields are now under water, leading to widespread destruction of vital crops.

Farmers have reported alarming conditions, with water levels reaching up to knee-deep in many fields. This excessive flooding has resulted in severe crop rot, particularly affecting the Aman paddy that was nearing harvest. Strong winds and relentless rain have compounded the problem, knocking down mature crops and making recovery efforts nearly impossible. The local agricultural community, which relies heavily on Aman paddy and vegetables, now faces a dire situation that threatens their financial stability and food security.

Bankura district is recognized as one of West Bengal's agricultural powerhouses, contributing significantly to the state’s rice, potato, and vegetable production. The ongoing flooding has disrupted the normal planting and harvesting cycles, with farmers unable to prepare fields for the upcoming winter vegetable season. Reports indicate that many farmers had already invested substantial amounts into their crops, using loans to finance their cultivation. The disaster has left them not only with ruined crops but also with unmanageable debt.

As the crisis unfolds, farmers are growing increasingly concerned about the inadequate support from crop insurance. Many report that they will receive only one to two thousand rupees as compensation, a sum that is insufficient to cover even a fraction of their losses. The prospect of the upcoming potato season now hangs in the balance, with concerns that waterlogged fields will impede planting efforts and diminish yields. This potential ripple effect threatens to extend the agricultural distress well beyond the current season.

In light of the extensive damage, local leaders, including Sonamukhi BJP MLA Dibakar Gharami, have called for immediate action from the state government. They are urging officials to implement comprehensive relief measures, such as financial aid and resources for recovering lost crops.