Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Oct 1: Farmers across Kashmir have reported massive losses in paddy production this year, with yields dropping by nearly 40-50 per cent. They blame the prolonged dry spell during the crucial growing months, followed by incessant rains and flood-like conditions just before harvest, for the crisis.
Growers from several districts said that the weather pattern this year has devastated their livelihood. “For three consecutive months—June, July and August—there was hardly any rainfall. The crop did not grow properly, and then just when we were expecting to harvest, heavy rains submerged the fields for days together. The paddy fell flat and started rotting,” said Ghulam Nabi, a farmer from Pulwama.
Many said that their produce, already weakened by the dry spell, could not withstand the continuous waterlogging. “Our fields were inundated for almost a week before harvesting. By the time the water receded, the crop was damaged beyond recovery. In many places, farmers couldn’t even collect enough paddy for household use,” said another farmer from Anantnag.
According to locals, hundreds of families who are directly dependent on paddy cultivation for sustenance have been left without a secure income this year. “We have lost almost 40 per cent of our crop. Families who rely only on paddy are staring at a financial crisis,” said Abdul Rashid, a farmer from Budgam.
Farmers also expressed anger over the compensation policy, saying that authorities have informed them that only those insured under the Fasal Bhima Yojna scheme would be eligible for relief. “We have all suffered losses, whether insured or not. The government cannot abandon a large section of farmers at this time. Compensation must be extended to everyone who has faced damage,” demanded Bashir Ahmad, a farmer leader from Shopian.
They appealed to the government to intervene immediately and announce a special relief package for paddy growers across the valley. “It is not about one village or one district—this crisis is widespread. If the government doesn’t step in now, it will break the backbone of thousands of families dependent on paddy farming,” they said.
Agricultural experts also confirmed that the unusual weather pattern—long dry spells followed by excessive rainfall—was detrimental to the paddy crop this season.
Meanwhile, farmers have urged authorities to announce the compensation to affected areas as a priority and ensure timely support. “We cannot wait for months. Our losses are visible in every field. The government must act before it is too late,” they said.
