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Floods Devastate Yadgir: Over 350,000 Acres Lost — Cotton Suffers Most

Heavy rains and flooding in Yadgir district, Karnataka, destroyed over 350,000 acres of farmland in August–September, with cotton bearing the brunt of the losses (more than 250,000 acres).

Farmers are awaiting compensation while preparing for the next season. Experts link the devastation to climate-driven heavier downpours and call for both immediate relief and long-term, climate-resilient farm upgrades to protect livelihoods and food supplies.

06:54 AM, 11/23/2025Environment

Heavy monsoon rains and severe flooding in Yadgir district, Karnataka, destroyed more than 350,000 acres of farmland during August and September, according to an official survey submitted to the state government. Cotton was the hardest hit, with losses exceeding 250,000 acres. Other affected crops included rice, lentils, sugarcane and fruit crops such as tomatoes and papayas.

Many farming families are now waiting for compensation as they scramble to plan for the next planting season. The damage threatens both farmers' livelihoods and local food supplies: agriculture employs a large share of the regional workforce and underpins food availability and prices.

Why this happened

Experts point to climate-driven changes in rainfall patterns as a major factor. Warmer air holds more moisture, which can produce heavier, more intense downpours that quickly overwhelm fields and drainage systems. When floodwaters persist, standing crops rot and soils lose structure, compounding losses.

Short-term relief and long-term resilience

Short-term measures such as timely compensation, emergency credit, seed and input support, and access to relief services are essential to help farmers recover. But analysts stress that long-term action is needed to reduce future risk.

  • Infrastructure upgrades: improved irrigation, drainage and flood defenses to limit inundation and speed water removal.
  • Climate-resilient farming: drought- and flood-tolerant crop varieties, diversified cropping systems, and adjusted planting calendars.
  • Financial protection: expanded crop insurance, affordable credit, and targeted cash support for smallholders.
  • Early warning and extension services: better weather forecasts, local alerts and farmer training to reduce losses before and after storms.
  • Watershed management: soil conservation, reforestation and community water storage to reduce runoff and erosion.

Combining immediate relief with investments in resilience can help protect incomes and food supplies as extreme weather becomes more frequent. Policy makers, local authorities and communities will need coordinated action and resources to rebuild farms and reduce vulnerability going forward.

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