Diversification in farming: options for Punjab farmers

摘要

Before thinking of diversifying agriculture, it is utmost important to understand the socio-economic problems of farmers as the profitability in farming has declined sharply due to degradation of soil health, build up of pests and increased cost ofinputs. Besides, the degradation of environment is threatening the sustainability of agricultural growth in the state. The Punjab, known as granary of India, made enormous contributions to the national pool of foodgrains i.e. around 70 per cent of wheatand 50 per cent of rice. As a national policy, the farmers of the state were encouraged to follow paddywheat cropping system, through emphasis on generation/dissemination of production technologies, assured and remunerative market system and timely supply of required farm inputs. Accordingly, farmers responded to the Government efforts and adopted the cropping system on an extensive scale. Rather the area increased every year and alternatives to this system got marginalized. Extensive coverage of this system, disturbed the eco-system of the state particularly water balance and soil health. Taking into account the total water resources of the state, it has been estimated that the Punjab can sustain only 16 lakh hectares of paddy. Therefore, of the 26 lakh hectares area under rice the state will have to dispense with atleast one third area of paddy and divert it to other suitable alternative crops requiring less water so as to sustain precious water resources.