Chandigarh, March 10— Punjab, often hailed as India’s “breadbasket,” is at a critical juncture. While its fertile lands have historically ensured national food security, producing over 20% of India’s wheat and 10% of its rice, this agricultural success has led to significant environmental challenges as the state’s reliance on water-intensive crops like wheat and paddy has resulted in alarming groundwater depletion, soil degradation, and air pollution from stubble burning.
The union government’s agricultural policies, including the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and procurement systems, have traditionally supported these cropping patterns.
For the 2024-25 season, the MSP is set at Rs 2,425 per quintal for wheat and Rs 2,300 for paddy, making these crops more financially attractive than alternatives like maize or mustard. This economic incentive perpetuates the wheat-paddy cycle, exacerbating environmental concerns.
To address these issues, initiatives like the National Mission for Edible Oilseeds and Pulses (NMEO) and the Crop Diversification Program (CDP) under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) drive to encourage farmers to diversify their crops. However, limited procurement for alternatives and the absence of assured markets make farmers hesitant to shift from traditional crops.
Financial schemes such as the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and PM-KISAN provide essential support, but these funds often reinforce existing practices rather than promote diversification.
Besides, tenant farmers without land titles face challenges in accessing credit, limiting their ability to adopt sustainable practices.
Sustainability-focused programs, including the Crop Residue Management (CRM) Scheme and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), have made progress in reducing stubble burning and promoting water-efficient techniques like direct seeding of rice (DSR).
Despite these efforts, adoption rates remain low due to factors such as high machinery costs and lack of awareness.
While government policies have bolstered Punjab’s agricultural output, they have also contributed to environmental degradation.
Achieving a balance between economic prosperity and ecological sustainability requires thorough reforms that provide farmers with viable alternatives and the necessary support to transition towards more sustainable practices.
This is an opinion piece by a Guest Columnist
