Patna: Bihar’s flood-related crop loss has been estimated at around Rs 270 crore, according to preliminary data compiled by the Agriculture Department from 18 affected districts. The assessment covers around 1.76 lakh hectares across 102 blocks, but the final figure could increase after floodwaters recede completely and detailed field-level assessments are completed.
The floods have damaged paddy, maize, vegetables, banana and other crops across several parts of the state. Low-lying and diara areas were particularly affected after the Ganga, Punpun, Gandak, Son, Kosi and other rivers recorded high water levels.
18 Districts Report Crop Damage
The Agriculture Department’s initial assessment covers 18 districts. Patna and Bhagalpur are among the worst-affected districts, while more than 10,000 hectares of crops have been reported damaged in Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Samastipur and Begusarai.
The current estimate is based on reports received by the department while floodwaters are still receding in some areas. Officials have indicated that a comprehensive assessment will be possible only after the water has completely withdrawn from agricultural fields.
In Bhagalpur, preliminary figures indicate crop damage across around 45,000 hectares in 15 blocks. Bhojpur has reported damage across about 25,000 hectares, while significant losses have also been recorded in Begusarai and Samastipur.
Other affected districts include Patna, Vaishali, Khagaria, Buxar, Lakhisarai, Rohtas, Saran, Katihar, West Champaran, Munger, Arwal, Sheikhpura and Purnia.
When Will Farmers Get Crop Assistance?
Under the applicable disaster-relief provisions, farmers can receive input assistance when more than 33% of their crop is damaged.
The assistance depends on the type of agricultural land and crop affected. For crop damage in an unirrigated area, the provision is Rs 8,500 per hectare, while farmers with eligible crop damage in irrigated areas can receive Rs 17,000 per hectare.
For perennial crops, the assistance is set at Rs 22,500 per hectare. The relief is subject to the applicable rules and is limited to a maximum of two hectares per farmer.
The minimum assistance under the reported provisions is Rs 1,000 for unirrigated areas, Rs 2,000 for irrigated areas and Rs 2,500 for perennial crops.
Free Seeds For The Next Crop Season
The Agriculture Department is also preparing support for farmers whose crops were damaged in the floods.
Under the contingency crop plan, affected farmers are expected to receive seeds of early pea, early mustard and rabi maize free of cost. The move is aimed at helping farmers resume cultivation during the next crop cycle after the floodwaters recede.
Central Team Assesses Flood Damage
The crop-loss assessment comes after Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary visited flood-affected areas on September 16 to review the situation.
The Union government said a detailed assessment would be carried out and that assistance would be provided after the state submits the required proposal under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) framework.
A separate report also indicated that the Bihar government was considering seeking central assistance for crop damage, with the amount to be determined on the basis of the final assessment and applicable NDRF norms.
Final Crop Loss Figure Yet To Be Confirmed
The Rs 270 crore figure is an initial assessment, not the final value of crop damage. As floodwaters continue to recede, officials are expected to conduct further assessments in affected areas.
The final number of eligible farmers and the total relief requirement will depend on the verified extent of crop damage and applications received under the applicable relief process.
