Soil Aftermath: Punjab's Agricultural Resilience Post-Floods

Recent floods in Punjab have significantly altered the soil profile, threatening Rabi crop productivity. PAU's extensive analysis reveals nutrient imbalances. Efforts are underway to restore soil health, with comprehensive testing and advisories to guide farmers in mitigating the impact and maintaining crop cycles.

The devastating floods in Punjab have drastically altered the soil profile of the state, posing a significant threat to Rabi crop productivity, according to a detailed analysis by the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU).

Ludhiana-based PAU reported that floods have disrupted both current and upcoming cropping cycles. Vice-Chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal indicated that while incoming mountain soil contains beneficial minerals, it disrupts the state's native soil structure, creating a need for balance restoration.

Heavy rainfall on the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers, along with catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, exacerbated the flooding. The worst-hit districts include Gurdaspur, Amritsar, and Kapurthala. PAU teams are actively testing soil samples and advising farmers to set the path for soil recovery before the Rabi sowing season begins.

(With inputs from agencies.)