Assam floods submerge vast vegetable farms in Dhubri

The agricultural community in the Kala Haat area surrounding Dhubri town in Assam, faced a dire situation as extensive flooding submerged hundreds of bighas' of vegetable-growing lands. The flooding, a recurring challenge during the monsoon season, dealt a severe blow to local farmers, threatening their livelihoods and causing significant crop losses.

Farmers in the region, already grappling with the economic impacts of previous floods, were distressed as their crops, including brinjal (eggplant), ladies' finger (okra), sponge gourd (luffa), ridge gourd (ridged luffa), black-eyed pea, yardlong bean, and green beans, lay submerged under floodwaters. These crops were vital for the local economy, and their destruction posed a grave financial threat to the farming community.

Expressing their frustration and anguish, farmers demanded immediate action from the authorities. They sought prompt relief measures, compensation for their losses, and long-term solutions to mitigate the recurring impact of floods on agriculture in the region.

"Bighas of vegetation were submerged in the floodwater. Vegetables including lady finger, brinjal, etc., were all damaged and submerged. We would request the government to kindly help the farmers like us somehow,” said one farmer.

The inundation of vegetable cultivation areas not only jeopardized the current harvest but also undermined the farmers' ability to sustain themselves and their families. With livelihoods at stake, the call for effective reprisal measures is urgent, with the need for comprehensive flood management strategies to safeguard agricultural productivity in across the state.