Punjab is grappling with one of the most destructive flood events in recent years, with more than 1.3 million acres of farmland submerged along the eastern rivers. As per the preliminary estimates, the deluge has inflicted severe damage on Kharif crops, particularly cotton, threatening the livelihoods of millions of farmers. Satellite imagery of 24 districts within the command areas of the Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab rivers reveals that around 3,661 square kilometers or nearly 4.7 per cent of the total land area remained under water weeks after the peak flooding. Key cash crops such as rice, sugarcane, corn, vegetables and cotton have been devastated.

As per Kissan Board Pakistan, farmers sustained losses to the tune of Rs536 billion due to damage to the cotton, rice, sesame, maize and fodder crops. These figures are based on preliminary assessments and could rise further, potentially reaching Rs1 trillion i.e. roughly 4 per cent of the agricultural GDP.

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of........

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