Crop losses mount as floodwaters inundate one lakh hectares in Bihar

Agricultural damage is now a major concern. Preliminary estimates from the state agriculture department indicate that floodwaters have affected nearly one lakh hectares of crops across 14 districts, with Patna, Bhagalpur, Vaishali and Khagaria reporting the highest losses. Rice, maize, vegetables and horticultural produce have been submerged, while the Diara belt has seen severe damage to maize, vegetable and banana plantations. The combined effect of rising river levels and backwater pressure from downstream West Bengal has created a "backwater effect" that hampers natural drainage, further endangering the already flooded fields.