India, Oct. 14 -- The recent floods in Punjab have completely changed the agricultural landscape of the state. Analysis of soil samples from flood-affected areas by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has found that while red silt from the Himalayan foothills has increased mineral content in some areas, it has also disrupted the soil's nutritional balance, creating hardpans, threatening the productivity of upcoming Rabi crops.

PAU Vice Chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal said the floods have altered the very "foundation" of Punjab's agriculture: its soil structure. He said the soil from the mountains may contain some useful minerals, but it has disrupted the state's basic soil balance.

He said the university has sent special teams to the aff...