Rains devastate Bahawalnagar crops

Farmers demand relief as cotton, sesame crops on 49,000 acres destroyed

BAHAWALNAGAR:

The recent spell of intense and continuous rainfall has pushed Bahawalnagar district into a severe agricultural crisis.

According to an initial report issued by the agriculture department, 42,000 acres of cotton and 7,000 acres of sesame crops have been destroyed. This has not only dealt a major blow to the livelihood of farmers but also posed threats for the upcoming agricultural season and the local economy.

Farmers affected by the rains say that climate change combined with poor drainage infrastructure has broken their backs.

Some affected farmers from Donga Bonga and Bahawalnagar said they had taken loans to invest in seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides throughout the year, only to see their hard work washed away by the rains.

A local farmer, Muhammad Aslam, said he had hoped for a good cotton yield this season, but due to the absence of a proper irrigation and drainage system, his entire crop had rotted in standing water.

The farmers demanded that the government immediately survey the affected areas, provide financial aid, and offer subsidies on seeds, fertilisers, and farming equipment for the next crop.

The agriculture department says it is currently assessing the situation.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, officials confirmed that cotton and sesame crops across the district had suffered significant losses due to heavy rainfall. An initial damage report has been prepared, indicating that 42,000 acres of cotton and 7,000 acres of sesame crop have been affected. Lists of affected farmers are being compiled and recommendations for emergency relief have been submitted to the Punjab government.

Agricultural experts and field officers have been instructed to visit the affected areas and work on recovery plans or propose alternative solutions.

In the Punjab Assembly, MPA Suhail Khan criticised the irrigation department. He said one of the key reasons for the losses in Bahawalnagar was the department's failure to timely excavate and clean the water logging canal. Despite multiple written and verbal reminders, no action was taken. As a result, not only were crops destroyed, but urban areas were also flooded, with water entering homes.

Agricultural experts have warned that if swift and coordinated action is not taken, the impact will extend beyond the current crop cycle. It will affect the preparation for the next season and harm the agricultural landscape of the region.