Paddy Cultivation Far Exceeds Suitable Land in Punjab: PAU Report

14-Apr-2025 08:39 PM

Chandigarh: In Punjab, where paddy is grown on about 32 lakh hectares during each Kharif season—64% of the state's geographical area—a new report by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) warns that only 30% of cultivable land is actually suitable for paddy. This translates to just 15.28 lakh hectares, suggesting a significant overuse of land for rice cultivation.

PAU has recommended cutting paddy area by more than half, citing the crop’s high water requirements amid Punjab’s deepening water crisis.

The report also raises alarms about declining soil fertility due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which could severely affect future productivity.

The study urges a shift towards alternative crops like pulses, oilseeds, and coarse grains, which use less water and are better suited for the region.

Though earlier reports have called for reducing paddy cultivation by at least 10 lakh hectares, farmers remain reluctant to switch crops due to established practices and economic dependencies.