Severe monsoon rains and swollen rivers have wreaked havoc across 43 districts of Uttar Pradesh, leaving 402 villages submerged, affecting more than 84,000 people, and devastating thousands of hectares of standing crops. Districts such as Ballia, Bahraich, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Agra, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Gorakhpur are among the worst hit. Along with crop losses, farmers are facing fodder shortages for cattle and damage to homes, putting immense pressure on rural livelihoods.
In response, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to ensure swift relief measures for affected farmers. A high-level meeting chaired by Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi outlined immediate steps to address the crisis.
Key Relief Measures
Crop Insurance & Compensation
- Joint teams from the Revenue, Agriculture, and Insurance departments will conduct rapid surveys to assess losses. Compensation will be distributed without delay.
- Claims under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana will be settled on priority to provide quick financial relief.
Rabi Crop Seed Distribution
- Improved seeds of wheat, gram, peas, mustard, and other Rabi crops will be made available at all government depots by October 25.
- Special measures will be taken to boost the productivity of pulses and oilseeds.
Curbing Misinformation
- Strict action will be taken against those spreading false information to ensure accurate updates reach farmers.
Damage Assessment (as per State Disaster Management Authority)
- Affected districts: 43
- Submerged villages: 402
- Population impacted: 84,000+
- Agricultural land flooded: Over 4,015 hectares
- Relief camps: 905
- Cattle displaced: 2,759
Central Government Support
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the launch of an Integrated Grievance Redressal Portal for farmers. Through this platform, farmers can register complaints related to insurance claims, relief distribution, and issues with seeds or fertilizers. The central government has also assured states of additional relief packages.
Local & Volunteer Support
Volunteers from RSS and other organizations are distributing relief materials including medicines, food packets, and cattle fodder in the affected regions. Villagers, meanwhile, have urged the government to focus on long-term solutions such as river management, dam repairs, and drainage improvements to prevent future disasters.
With coordinated relief efforts by the state and central governments, farmers are expected to receive timely support. However, experts emphasize the need for sustainable measures to tackle recurring flood challenges caused by river encroachments, deforestation, and poor drainage systems.
The Uttar Pradesh government has now shifted its immediate focus to rehabilitation and preparations for the Rabi sowing season, ensuring that affected farmers can resume agricultural activities at the earliest.
Helpline Numbers:
- Ministry of Agriculture: 1800-180-1551
- UP Flood Relief Center: State Disaster Management Authority website
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