Relentless rains and flash floods have unleashed large-scale destruction across Jammu province, pushing the region’s agriculture sector into a state of crisis. With paddy and maize fields submerged, orchards ruined, and fodder supplies vanishing, over six lakh farmers are struggling for survival.
According to official reports as reported by Daily Excelsior, crops on 1.40 lakh hectares of farmland have been damaged, with nearly 90,000 hectares suffering more than 33% losses. District-wise, the damage is staggering:
- Udhampur – 23,688 hectares ruined
- Jammu – 19,441 hectares
- Kathua – 7,671 hectares
- Reasi – 12,717 hectares
- Doda – 10,067 hectares
- Kishtwar – 13,280 hectares
- Ramban – 11,124 hectares
- Rajouri – 3,256 hectares
- Samba – 320 hectares
- Poonch – 216 hectares
Large stretches in Garkhal, Pargwal, Khour, Jourian, Pallanwala, Makwal, and Tawi Island remain buried under thick silt brought by overflowing rivers.
Maize farmers in Jammu’s kandi belt—covering Birpur, Mandal, Purmandal, and Dansal—have reported flattened fields due to torrential downpours and stormy winds. Even pulses and fodder crops haven’t been spared, with 1,000 hectares each of pulses and fodder destroyed.
Agriculture Director Jammu, confirmed to media agncy that initial surveys are complete and detailed data collection is underway. He announced that:
- ₹135 crore worth of claims have been submitted to the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for uninsured farmers.
- Registered farmers under PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) are urged to file claims online for quicker relief.
- Joint teams from Agriculture and Revenue Departments are working at a war footing to assess losses.
- Four farmer facilitation centres have been set up at Badyal Brahmana for registration and grievance redressal.
Agriculture Director Jammu reassured farmers, saying, “We are committed to providing immediate relief. Crop damage assessments are being expedited to ensure timely compensation.”
The September 2025 floods in Jammu and Kashmir have not only shattered farmers’ livelihoods but also raised fears of food and fodder shortages. Paddy, maize, pulses, and fruit crops have been destroyed, posing a direct threat to the region’s food supply chain.
Unless swift action is taken, the devastation may trigger a long-term agricultural and economic crisis in Jammu.
