Critical Flood Situation in Assam and Northeast India

The flood situation in Assam and the broader Northeast region is critical. Many residents have lost their homes, livestock and farmers have suffered significant losses as vast agricultural lands have been submerged under water. The government is providing temporary camps and food supplies for those affected. Business North East directly visited the Morigaon district of Assam, known for its vegetable suppliers in areas like Lahorighat and Kharupetia. The team visited Boglipara Pathar village in Morigaon and met with the villagers. Social worker Rekib Uddin commented, "Corn, green chilies, rice, cotton, and other crops have been damaged and submerged underwater." Another farmer, Rouf, added, "Rice, tomatoes, and especially corn crops are submerged over more than 50 bighas of land."

The team also visited the Assam State Agriculture Marketing Board in Guwahati and learned that 11,069 hectares of agricultural land across 26 districts in Assam are completely submerged. Specifically, in Kamrup, 1,284 hectares; in Morigaon, 313 hectares; and in Barpeta, 572 hectares of agricultural land are underwater. Due to this flooding, the vegetable supply from Morigaon, Nagaon, and Barpeta districts has drastically reduced.

Consequently, vegetables are now being sourced from outside the state, leading to increased prices. As of now vegetable prices have soared, trying to match the rates from a month ago. Wholesale prices have surged significantly: tomatoes from ₹2,000 to ₹4,000, potatoes from ₹2,400 to ₹2,800, onions from ₹2,700 to ₹4,000, green chilies from ₹5,500 to ₹9,500, and garlic from ₹18,000 to ₹23,500. Almost all vegetables are now being supplied from outside the state, contributing to the price hike.

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