Chandigarh, September 25: In a relentless spree of relief measures following the devastating floods that struck Punjab, the Mann Government has launched multiple initiatives to help farmers and families recover from the massive losses that swept through the state. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced a ₹74 crore package of free wheat seeds for farmers and unveiled a universal health insurance scheme covering treatment worth up to ₹10 lakh per family.
The floods, which inundated over 5 lakh acres of farmland, destroyed crops and disrupted the livelihoods of millions. “In this difficult time, our government stands shoulder to shoulder with the farmers,” Mann said, stressing the central role of Punjab’s agricultural community in the nation’s food security. “Punjab’s hardworking farmers made the country self-reliant in food grains, and now this initiative is to give new strength to their hard work.”
Under the relief package, farmers will receive two lakh quintals of wheat seeds free of cost, enabling them to sow crops for the Rabi season without financial burden. Mann noted in a social media post on ‘X’ that the floods left farmers unable to purchase seeds, prompting the government to step in with full support.
The recent natural disaster affected over 2,300 villages, claimed 56 lives, rendered 7 lakh people homeless, and caused extensive damage to 3,200 schools, 19 colleges, 1,400 medical facilities, 8,500 kilometers of roads, and 2,500 bridges. The total estimated loss stands at ₹13,800 crore.
Amid these staggering figures, the Mann Government’s relief package is being complemented by hands-on field initiatives. Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, accompanied by agricultural experts, visited flood-affected Patiala villages to conduct a special girdawari (crop damage assessment).
Read more: Girdawari Underway, Officials on Ground in Patiala
Nearly 8,000 acres of paddy, including early-sown varieties such as PUSA 131, PR 132, and PR 114, suffered severe damage. Dr. Singh urged farmers not to plough their fields until the survey was complete, stressing, “We are here to make sure that no farmer is left uncompensated.”
Officials also initiated preventive measures to protect crops from further losses, including draining excess water, spraying insecticides, applying zinc, and using COC 2000 to combat viral and fungal infections.
High-quality seeds and DAP fertilizer will be provided for the upcoming sowing season, aiming to ensure that farmers can resume cultivation promptly. Local farmers expressed cautious optimism.
“Seeing officials in our fields shows that the government is serious about helping us,” said a Patiala farmer. “The girdawari and promised compensation give us hope to rebuild for the next season.”
Alongside agricultural relief, the state launched a universal health insurance scheme on Tuesday, initially in Tarn Taran and Barnala districts, covering over 2,000 ailments and providing cashless treatment at government and around 500 private hospitals. Each family can avail treatment worth up to ₹10 lakh per year. Residents can register for a “Sehat Card” by presenting voter ID, Aadhaar, and passport copies at 128 registration camps per district. Mann also announced plans to expand the network of Aam Aadmi clinics across Punjab from 881 to 1,000, enhancing access to healthcare services statewide.
The sequence of measures—crop compensation, free seeds, health insurance, and field supervision—reflects the Mann Government’s approach of combining immediate relief with long-term protection. As floodwaters recede and damaged fields remain, these initiatives aim to restore livelihoods, safeguard health, and reassure Punjab’s farmers that in every crisis, the government will stand by them.
Read more: Punjab launches universal health insurance with coverage up to Rs 10 lakh
