Severe Punjab Floods Hit Crop Yields Through Soil Erosion

06-Oct-2025 08:29 PM

Ludhiana. The severe floods that occurred during August and September in Punjab, the state that contributes the largest amount of food grains (rice and wheat) to the central pool, have significantly altered the soil profile and increased the risk of reduced fertility.

The thick layer of sand and silt that has formed on the soil in the fields may lead to a decline in the average crop yield, which will naturally impact production.

A study report by the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana states that this problem is acute in several districts of the state, including Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Kapurthala, and Patiala.

The study report reveals that floodwaters have moved from upstream areas to flood fields in the lower reaches of the fields, carrying silt and sediment.

In some areas, the accumulation has reached such a level that the actual soil level has been lowered by up to one meter. The structure of this accumulated silt varies.

In some areas, it has formed mounds of sand or gravel, while in others, it exists as cropland. This will affect the nature and fertility of the soil.

Although the accumulated silt in some areas contains nutrients that could prove beneficial to the soil, its benefits are not long-term.

The floodwaters have receded significantly, and the monsoon has returned, so the soil's condition can be assessed more thoroughly in the future. Severe flooding and waterlogging in fields damaged Kharif crops and delayed harvesting.

Northwestern India (Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan) is generally considered a low-rainfall region, but this year, it received the highest rainfall, causing severe flooding and overflowing rivers.

Due to delay in harvesting of Kharif crops and presence of excess moisture in the soil of the fields, there may be delay in sowing of Rabi crops and especially wheat in Punjab, which may also affect its yield rate.