Punjab Farmland Submerged in Widespread Flooding

The recent floods in Punjab have inundated over 1.3 million acres of farmland, dealing a severe blow to Kharif crops and raising concerns about soaring food inflation in Pakistan. Satellite imagery from 24 flood-hit districts along the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers shows nearly 3,661 square kilometers of land — about 4.7% of the province’s area — still under water.

Humanitarian and Agricultural Losses

The disaster has displaced almost two million people, submerged 2,000 villages, and forced the evacuation of 760,000 residents along with 516,000 livestock animals. Farmers face unprecedented losses, with the Kissan Board Pakistan estimating damages at nearly Rs536 billion, primarily affecting cotton, rice, maize, sesame, and fodder crops.

Cotton Crisis Threatens Textile Exports

Cotton has been hit hardest, with the Pakistan Business Forum reporting that 35% of Punjab’s cotton crop has been destroyed, climbing to 40–50% losses in Bahawalnagar, the province’s leading cotton-producing district.
The Cotton Ginners Forum has warned that ginning factories and textile mills in districts like Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Bahawalnagar have already begun halting operations due to raw cotton shortages. With textiles accounting for more than half of Pakistan’s export earnings, the losses pose a serious challenge to the national economy.

Conflicting Assessments on Rice Damage

There are differing assessments on rice losses. The Pakistan Business Forum claims up to 60% of rice crops in central and southern Punjab have been destroyed, while exporters argue that Basmati-growing regions remain largely safe, except in Pasrur. They noted that much of the non-Basmati rice had already been harvested before the flooding.
Still, the devastation is expected to push domestic grain prices higher, threatening Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global rice market.

Fodder Shortages Threaten Livestock Sector

The floods have also triggered a severe shortage of fodder, jeopardizing the livestock industry, which plays a vital role in Pakistan’s GDP. Experts warn that disruptions in fodder supply could lead to declining livestock productivity, compounding food supply challenges in the months ahead.

Inflationary Pressures Ahead

With widespread crop destruction and food supply shortages, economists warn that domestic food inflation is likely to rise sharply. The combined impact of grain shortages, cotton losses, and livestock challenges risks deepening the country’s inflation crisis, straining both households and industries.

Key Points

• 1.3 million acres of farmland submerged in Punjab floods
• Rs536 billion in farmer losses reported across multiple crops
• 2 million displaced, 2,000 villages inundated, and livestock at risk
• 35–50% of cotton crop destroyed, threatening textile exports
• Rice damage disputed, but grain price surge expected
• Severe fodder shortage endangers livestock and GDP contribution
• Rising food inflation feared amid escalating agricultural losses

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