Punjab MLA Calls for Maize Cultivation to Combat Water Crisis

In India, Punjab’s groundwater levels are depleting at an alarming rate, and experts are warning of severe consequences for agriculture if immediate action is not taken. Rana Gurjeet Singh, MLA from Kapurthala, has urged farmers to shift from water-intensive paddy farming to maize cultivation as a sustainable alternative.

Speaking to the media, Singh criticized Punjab’s agricultural shift from cotton to paddy, which has significantly worsened the state’s water table. “Punjab once had 800,000 to 1 million hectares under cotton cultivation, but the availability of tube wells and canal water made paddy a more attractive option,” he explained. He added that the spread of the Pink Bollworm pest further discouraged farmers from growing cotton, forcing them to switch to water-demanding paddy crops.

Maize Cultivation: A Solution for Sustainable Farming

Singh believes that maize farming offers a viable solution to Punjab’s water crisis, as it requires far less water than paddy. "Farmers need an alternative that secures their income while reducing water usage, and maize provides that opportunity," he said.

The area under cotton cultivation in Punjab has already dropped to just 98,000 hectares, making diversification more urgent than ever. Singh urged the Agriculture Department to take stronger action in assisting farmers with this transition, blaming its inaction for the continued dominance of water-intensive crops.

During the last Kharif season, Singh sent agricultural experts to Fazilka to assess the feasibility of maize farming. Their research confirmed that maize could thrive in the region, making it a strong candidate for large-scale adoption across Punjab.

Financial Assistance Needed to Support Farmers

While Singh remains confident about maize’s benefits, he acknowledged that farmers need financial incentives to make the shift. He proposed that the Punjab government offer USD 120 per acre in compensation to farmers transitioning from paddy to maize. Additionally, he urged the central government to provide USD 180 per acre in financial assistance until maize cultivation becomes a sustainable practice.

Singh also warned that if groundwater depletion continues at its current pace, Punjab may soon struggle to meet its agricultural water needs. He emphasized that policymakers and agricultural experts must act quickly to ensure the future of farming in the state.

Conclusion: A Call for Action on Punjab’s Water Crisis

With groundwater levels declining rapidly, Punjab faces a critical decision in its agricultural future. Encouraging maize cultivation over paddy could help conserve water and ensure long-term sustainability for farmers. However, without adequate government support and financial incentives, the transition may not happen soon enough. As Singh and other leaders push for change, all eyes are now on how Punjab's policymakers respond to this growing crisis.





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