Punjab Government's plan shifts 12,000 hectares from paddy to maize

In a major push to promote agricultural diversification and combat depleting groundwater levels in the state, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to diversify 12,000 hectares of paddy to kharif maize this year. Farmers adopting maize cultivation will receive a financial incentive of Rs 17,500 per hectare, aimed at promoting a more sustainable agriculture ecosystem, besides boosting farmers' income.

Revealing the details about the diversification plan, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that six districts- Bathinda, Sangrur, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar and Kapurthala will spearhead the pilot project, targeting 12,000 hectares for paddy-to-maize diversification.

The Agriculture Minister further said that the state government has also appointed 200 Kisan Mitras (Friends of the Farmer) to encourage and guide farmers to shift from paddy to kharif maize. The decision to incentivise maize cultivation is strategically aligned with the need to promote water-efficient crops and enhance farmers' income. Maize, a highly nutritious and versatile crop, requires less water in comparison to paddy, making it a more sustainable option. Moreover, the crop's versatility in terms of its uses, from food to animal feed and content of starch, offers a wider market and income potential for farmers.

"By diversifying our crops, we can improve soil health, reduce water consumption, and create a more resilient agricultural system. This will not only benefit our farmers but also is a crucial step towards achieving our goal of sustainable agriculture in Punjab," said S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian.

Dr. Basant Garg, the Administrative Secretary of Agriculture department, said that Kharif maize has already been sown in 1500 hectares so far. The move will go a long way to address the pressing issue of depleting groundwater levels in Punjab. The state's heavy reliance on paddy cultivation, a water-intensive crop, has put immense strain on groundwater resources, leading to concerns about the long-term sustainability of agriculture. The financial incentive will cover the cost of inputs (Seed, fertilizer) etc. making maize cultivation more attractive for farmers. The government would also provide technical support and training to ensure successful implementation of the diversification plan.