In a major relief effort, the Bihar government has announced instant financial aid for farmers affected by the 2025 floods. Over 5 lakh farmers across 15 districts will receive Rs 10,000 each via DBT, with funds aimed at crop loss recovery. The initiative, backed by Rs 500 crore, targets immediate support, while long-term rehabilitation plans are underway.
Bihar Government Rolls Out Instant Aid for Flood-Affected Farmers
In response to the devastating floods that ravaged Bihar in early 2025, the state government has launched an ambitious relief program to provide immediate financial assistance to farmers. The initiative, announced on June 15, 2025, aims to support over 5 lakh farmers across 15 flood-affected districts, including Darbhanga, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, and East Champaran, with direct cash transfers of Rs 10,000 per farmer. The funds, totaling Rs 500 crore, will be disbursed through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system to ensure swift and transparent delivery.
The floods, triggered by heavy monsoon rains and breaches in the embankments of rivers like Kosi and Bagmati, submerged vast agricultural lands, destroying crops such as paddy, maize, and pulses. According to the State Disaster Management Department, approximately 12 lakh hectares of farmland were affected, impacting the livelihoods of millions. The hardest-hit districts include Sitamarhi, Supaul, and Saharsa, where farmers reported losses of up to 80% of their Kharif crops.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, addressing a press conference in Patna, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “Our farmers are the backbone of Bihar’s economy. This instant relief fund is a step toward helping them recover from the catastrophic losses caused by the floods,” he said. The government has also instructed district authorities to complete crop damage assessments by June 30, 2025, to ensure additional compensation for long-term recovery.
The relief package builds on previous efforts, such as the Rs 307 crore disbursed to 4.39 lakh families in October 2024 for earlier flood damage. This time, the government has increased the aid amount to Rs 10,000 per farmer, up from Rs 7,000 in the previous tranche, acknowledging the severity of the 2025 floods. The Agriculture Department has also launched an online portal for farmers to register for the relief funds, streamlining the application process.
In addition to financial aid, the government is collaborating with the Indian Meteorological Department to provide early warning systems for future floods. Plans are also in place to distribute high-yield, flood-resistant seeds to farmers for the upcoming planting season. The Central Government has pledged Rs 600 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to support Bihar’s rehabilitation efforts, with Rs 588.73 crore already approved for flood-related damages in 2024.
Local farmer leaders have welcomed the initiative but urged faster implementation. “The floods washed away our entire harvest. This Rs 10,000 will help us buy seeds and fertilizers, but we need the money now,” said Ramesh Yadav, a farmer from Darbhanga. The government has assured that the first phase of disbursements will be completed by June 20, 2025, with subsequent phases targeting remaining eligible farmers.
The relief effort is part of a broader strategy to address Bihar’s recurring flood challenges. The state, which sees 76% of its northern population living under constant flood threat, has faced high-magnitude flooding in recent years, including 2004, 2007, and 2017. Experts suggest that alongside immediate aid, investments in flood-resistant infrastructure and sustainable farming practices are critical to mitigating future losses.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available from government announcements, disaster management reports, and credible news sources as of June 15, 2025. The data is subject to change as new updates emerge.