Chandigarh, Sept. 11, 2025 — A day after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced ₹20,000 per acre compensation for farmers hit by floods, the package is being described as the highest of its kind in the country. While the move is seen as a major step for relief, its impact will depend on timely payments and transparent assessment of losses, according to agricultural experts.
Mann said on Wednesday that the decision reflected his government’s commitment to farmers. “This is not only the highest in Punjab but also the biggest compensation in India,” he said. The state also announced ₹4 lakh aid for families of those killed in the floods and allowed farmers to sell deposited sand from their fields for additional income.
The compensation amount places Punjab ahead of other states. Haryana offers a maximum of ₹15,000 per acre, Madhya Pradesh ₹12,950, Gujarat about ₹8,900, while Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan generally provide ₹5,000–₹7,000.
Farmer unions welcomed the move but cautioned that disbursal delays could blunt the benefit. “Announcements help morale, but farmers need cash in hand before the next sowing season,” said a leader of a local union in Ludhiana.
Agricultural economists noted that the decision underscores Punjab’s heavy dependence on farming. “This is financially significant, but what matters is whether the relief reaches the smallest farmer,” said an analyst from Punjab Agricultural University.
Officials said a special Girdawari is already underway to assess crop losses, after which compensation will be transferred directly to farmers’ accounts. For families who lost members in the floods, the ₹4 lakh relief is expected to be processed alongside crop claims.
As Punjab’s rural belt continues to recover from damaged fields and homes, the announcement has brought optimism — but also questions about execution. Whether the “highest-ever” package becomes a lifeline for farmers or a promise tested by bureaucracy will be seen in the weeks ahead.
