Patna : A multidisciplinary team of scientists from the ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Patna, conducted a preliminary assessment of flood damage in villages of Saran and Vaishali districts, examining the impact of prolonged waterlogging on agricultural crops, horticultural plantations and livestock.
The three-member team comprised Dr Ajay Kumar, Dr Rohan Kumar Raman and Dr Rakesh Kumar. The field visit was conducted under the guidance of Dr Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna.
The team visited flood-affected villages on September 22 following inundation linked to the Ganga and Gandak rivers. The assessment focused on the condition of standing crops and plantations after several days of water stagnation.
Vegetable Crops In Saran Suffer Severe Damage
In Hasanpur, Gopalpur and Rasulpur villages of Saran, the scientists observed rice, maize, okra, sponge gourd and bottle gourd crops.
Vegetable crops were found to have suffered severe to complete damage, with losses observed at up to 100% in affected fields. The crops had remained submerged or waterlogged under around 4–5 feet of water for 10–15 days.
Maize crops showed approximately 60–90% damage, depending on field conditions and the extent of waterlogging.
Rice fields with around 1–2 feet of standing water showed reduced and uneven plant populations. The team said the condition indicated probable yield losses, although the extent would require further assessment.
Banana Plantations Affected In Vaishali
In Akilabad and Bakarpur villages of Vaishali, banana plantations were the predominant horticultural crop assessed by the team.
The plantations had experienced approximately 2–4 feet of water stagnation for 12–18 days. According to the preliminary observations, prolonged waterlogging is likely to affect plant vigour, fruit size, bunch weight and marketable yield.
The team noted that severely affected banana plantations may require rejuvenation or replacement, depending on the survival of the plants and their root systems.
The scientists also observed that litchi trees may be able to withstand temporary waterlogging, although their condition would need to be monitored as part of a broader assessment.
Detailed Assessment Needed
ICAR-RCER said the observations from the field visit are preliminary and should not be treated as a final estimate of crop or livelihood losses.
A systematic plot-level assessment will be required to quantify damage to crops, horticultural plantations and associated livelihoods, taking into account factors such as the duration and depth of waterlogging, crop stage and plant survival.
The preliminary findings are expected to help identify the areas and crops requiring closer assessment as floodwaters recede and farmers begin evaluating the extent of damage.
