Main Cause of Land Degradation in Punjab:

There are several factors contributing to land degradation in Punjab, a state located in the northwest region of India. The main cause of land degradation in Punjab can be attributed to:

1. Intensive Agriculture:
- Punjab is known as the "Granary of India" due to its high agricultural productivity, primarily focused on the cultivation of rice and wheat.
- Intensive and excessive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides has led to soil erosion, loss of soil fertility, and degradation of land quality.
- Over-reliance on groundwater for irrigation has caused a decline in the water table, leading to soil salinization and increased alkalinity.

2. Excessive Groundwater Extraction:
- Punjab heavily relies on groundwater for irrigation, with around 73% of the total irrigated area being dependent on groundwater.
- Excessive withdrawal of groundwater has resulted in the depletion of aquifers, causing land subsidence and degradation of soil quality.
- The overuse of groundwater has also led to the intrusion of saline water into agricultural fields, further exacerbating land degradation.

3. Deforestation and Depletion of Green Cover:
- Punjab has witnessed a significant decline in forest cover over the years due to urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural expansion.
- Deforestation results in soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and reduced resilience to climate change.
- The absence of trees and vegetation cover leads to increased vulnerability to wind and water erosion, further deteriorating the land quality.

4. Improper Land Management Practices:
- Inadequate land management practices, such as improper crop rotation, continuous farming of cash crops, and lack of organic matter incorporation, contribute to land degradation.
- The absence of measures like contour plowing, terracing, and bunding increases the vulnerability of soil erosion and nutrient depletion.

5. Urbanization and Industrialization:
- The rapid pace of urbanization and industrialization in Punjab has resulted in the conversion of agricultural land into residential and industrial areas.
- Construction activities, industrial pollution, and improper waste disposal practices have led to soil contamination, further degrading the land quality.

In conclusion, the main cause of land degradation in Punjab is a combination of intensive agriculture practices, excessive groundwater extraction, deforestation, improper land management, and urbanization. These factors have resulted in soil erosion, loss of soil fertility, depletion of groundwater, and contamination of land. Addressing these issues requires sustainable agricultural practices, proper water management, afforestation initiatives, and effective land-use planning to mitigate and reverse the land degradation process.

In Punjab the main cause of land degradation is OVER IRRIGATION.