Agriculture and Irrigation in Punjab | Punjab State (PPSC) PSC: Preparation - PPSC PCS (Punjab) PDF Download

Introduction

Punjab's Role in Food Security

Punjab plays a crucial role in the nation's food security by contributing significantly to the Central Pool of rice and wheat. In 2016-17, Punjab was the top state in India for wheat production, accounting for 36.8% of the total. The state is also ranked 7th globally for gross wheat production.

According to the Economic Survey of 2017-18, food grain production in Punjab increased by 8.28%. The survey also noted the major agricultural crops in Punjab based on area and production.

Major Agricultural Crops in Punjab

According to Area:

• Wheat
• Rice
• Cotton
• Other Cereals
• Sugarcane

According to Production:

• Wheat
• Rice
• Cotton
• Sugarcane
• Other Cereals

Cropping Pattern of Punjab

(i) Kharif Crops

Kharif crops are planted during the summer months, typically from June to August, and are harvested in the winter, between September and December.
In Punjab, common Kharif crops include:

• Rice
• Jowar (Sorghum)
• Bajra (Pearl Millet)
• Maize (Corn)
• Cotton
• Sugarcane

(ii) Rabi Crops

Rabi crops are sown during the winter months, usually from October to November, and are harvested in the summer, between March and May.

In Punjab, typical Rabi crops include:

• Wheat
• Barley
• Mustard
• Gram (Chickpeas)
• Oilseeds

Major Crops of Punjab

Punjab is renowned as one of the most successful states in India for agriculture, with a wide variety of crops. These crops are categorized into two main groups: food crops and commercial or cash crops.

Food Crops:

• Food crops are primarily grown for human consumption. Examples include wheat, rice, gram, barley, and maize.

Paddy (Rice):

• Paddy, also known as rice, is a major kharif crop in Punjab. It is cultivated in a diverse range of soils with pH levels between 5.0 and 9.5.
• The use of High Yielding Varieties (HYVs) and modern technology has significantly increased rice production in Punjab.
• The districts with the highest rice production include Kapurthala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Firozpur, Sangrur, and Barnala.
• Punjab is often referred to as the "Rice Bowl of India" due to its substantial contribution to rice production.
• The best soils for paddy cultivation are silty to clayey loam. Irrigation facilities established during the Green Revolution have made paddy cultivation feasible in Punjab, which accounts for 11% of India’s total rice production.
• Popular rice varieties in Punjab include PR111, PR114, Punjab Basmati 3 and 4, Pusa 44, and Vivek Dhan 62.

Wheat:

• Wheat is a principal rabi crop, sown from October to December and harvested from February to May.
• Punjab is the second-largest producer of wheat in India, contributing to 20% of the country’s total wheat production.
• The state was at the forefront of the Green Revolution, which significantly boosted wheat production.
• Factors contributing to wheat cultivation in Punjab include:
• Favorable climate with light rainfall, particularly from Western disturbances.
• Fertile soil enriched by the rivers of the Indus system.
• Implementation of Green Revolution strategies.
• Extensive network of canals and tubewells.
• Easy access to High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds and fertilizers.

Maize:

• Maize is sown in June-July and harvested in September-October.
• It is primarily grown in central districts like Ludhiana and Jalandhar, where water management conditions are favorable.
• Maize is a kharif crop that relies heavily on rainfall and is used for both food and fodder.

Bajra (Pearl Millet):

• Bajra is also a rabi crop, sown in districts such as Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Firozpur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Sangrur, and Barnala.
• Punjab ranks 10th among Indian states in bajra production, although its production has been declining in recent years.

Gram:

• Gram is a rabi crop, sown between September and November and harvested in February. Also known as chickpea or Bengal gram, Moga leads in its production.

Barley:

• Barley is a kharif crop, planted in September-October and harvested in April-May, primarily in Sangrur, Barnala, Bathinda, and Jalandhar.

Commercial or Cash Crops

Commercial or cash crops are those which are used as raw materials in industries. These include crops like cotton, sugarcane, oilseeds, and others.

Cotton:
Cotton is a kharif cash crop, sown from April to June and harvested from September to December. It is primarily grown in South-Western Punjab, with Bathinda, Muktsar Sahib, and Mansa being notable areas. Most of the cotton grown is Bt-cotton, which has faced challenges from pests like mealybugs and whiteflies.

Sugarcane:
Sugarcane is sown from February to April and harvested from December to March. It thrives in tropical climates but can also be grown in sub-tropical regions like North India. While it can be cultivated in various soils, well-drained loamy soils are ideal. In Punjab, sugarcane is mainly grown in Jalandhar, Rupnagar, and Gurdaspur.

Oilseeds:
Oilseeds are the seeds from which oil is extracted, and they are grown under varied climate and soil conditions. In Punjab, different oilseeds are cultivated in different regions:

• Groundnut: Grown in Ludhiana
• Mustard (Sarson): Cultivated in Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala
• Taramira: Found in Firozpur, Barnala, and Sangrur
• Gurdaspur: Has the largest area under oilseeds, while Jalandhar has the smallest

The main oilseeds include Toria (rapeseed), Taramira, and Mustard for the rabi season, and Groundnut and Sesame for the kharif season.

Green Revolution in Punjab

After India gained independence, Punjab faced food shortages because most of its rich land, irrigation facilities, and rural infrastructure had gone to West Punjab. To address this food crisis, the Indian government adopted new technology known as Green Revolution technology in the mid-1960s. Punjab was chosen as the first site for the Green Revolution due to its three perennial rivers.

The initial efforts included the introduction of high-yield wheat varieties by Dr. Norman Borlaug, who is considered the Father of the Green Revolution. The use of chemical fertilizers and improvements in the irrigation system also helped farmers produce more crops. The year 1966 was a significant milestone in Punjab's history for two reasons: the division of the erstwhile Punjab into the states of Punjab and Haryana, and the introduction of Green Revolution technology, including High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds.

The Green Revolution involved adopting a package of improved agricultural practices such as fertilizers, pesticides, controlled water supply, credit facilities, mechanical threshers, and pumps, replacing traditional agricultural methods. This revolution primarily benefited large farmers. The increase in wheat production from 1.9 million metric tons in 1965-66 to 5.6 million metric tons in 1971-72 within five years is a remarkable achievement attributed to the Green Revolution.

Limitations of Green Revolution

The Green Revolution has several limitations, including:

• The modern farming methods used in the Green Revolution are believed to contribute to the emergence of toxic weeds and pests that are challenging to control. The overuse of pesticides has increased soil toxicity, which can lead to nervous disorders, blood disorders, genetic changes, and the formation of cancerous tissues in humans.
• The Green Revolution relies on mono-culturing, which requires large tracts of land that are not always available. It also demands intensive use of fertilizers and large volumes of water, which can create difficulties for farmers. Additionally, it has replaced traditional crop rotation patterns.
• This approach does not guarantee soil fertility and can lead to salinization due to over-irrigation.
• Overall, the Green Revolution in Punjab has had mixed effects. While it has successfully increased crop production, it has also had a disastrous impact on native flora and fauna.

Government Departments for Agricultural Development

Department of Agriculture, Punjab

The Department of Agriculture in Punjab, established in 1960 during the British colonial period, is situated in Mohali, Chandigarh, and is commonly referred to as Kheti Bhawan. The department undertakes various programs and initiatives aimed at improving agricultural practices and supporting farmers in the region. Some of the major programs and works of the department include:

• Training Camps for Farmers: These camps are organized to educate farmers about the latest scientific techniques in crop production and marketing. One such camp is held in Muktsar Sahib.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): This program aims to reduce the excessive use of pesticides by promoting more sustainable pest management practices.
• Integrated Nutrient Management (INM): INM is promoted for the balanced and judicious use of fertilizers, ensuring that plants receive the necessary nutrients without over-reliance on chemical fertilizers.
• Resource Conservation Technologies (RCTs): The department encourages the adoption of RCTs among farmers to reduce input costs and promote sustainable farming practices.
• Establishment of Punjab Agricultural University: The department played a role in establishing the Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana, which focuses on research and development in agriculture to enhance productivity and sustainability.

Punjab State Agricultural Marketing Board (PSAMB)

The Punjab State Agricultural Marketing Board (PSAMB) was founded on May 26, 1961, under the Punjab Agricultural Produce Markets Act, 1961. Its primary objectives include:

• Strengthening market infrastructure in agricultural markets (mandis).
• Constructing new link roads to improve access.
• Incorporating the Punjab Agriculture Export Corporation to facilitate exports.
• Establishing the Punjab Horticulture Post Harvest Technology Centre for post-harvest management.
• Arranging loans for development works of market committees.

Additionally, the Punjab Agro Industries Corporation (PAIC), Punjab Agriculture Export Corporation Limited (PAGREXCO), and Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporation (PAFC) were set up to promote agricultural development in Punjab.

• Punjab Agro Industries Corporation (PAIC) supplies farmers with high-quality fertilizers, pesticides, and tractors.
• Punjab Agriculture Export Corporation Limited (PAGREXCO) focuses on exporting fresh agricultural produce, primarily fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
• Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporation (PAFC) promotes agro product marketing, acts as a procurement agency for food grains, and supports agricultural diversification through contract farming.

Initiatives and Schemes by the Government for Agricultural Development

Initiatives by the State Government for the Agriculture Sector

Here are some of the initiatives taken by the State Government to develop the agriculture sector:

• Experimental Site for Wheat and Maize: The Government of India, in collaboration with the Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA), has established an experimental site in Ludhiana for research on wheat and maize. This initiative aims to strengthen agricultural research in the region.
• Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana: Under this scheme, the Government of India will provide a 75% grant-in-aid for the development and strengthening of agricultural marketing infrastructure. The focus is on financially weaker market committees, particularly in the neglected Kandi area of the state.
• Support for Sugar Co-operatives: The Punjab Government has allocated ₹600 crore to support sugar co-operatives in making timely payments to cane growers. Co-operatives play a crucial role in the development of agriculture and the allied sector in Punjab.
• Kheti Bhawan in Mohali:. Kheti Bhawan has been established in Mohali, housing all offices of the Department of Agriculture and allied departments. This aims to streamline and enhance the functioning of these departments.
• Development of Cotton Markets: The Punjab Mandi Board is working on developing 25 cotton markets and setting up laboratories to establish different quality parameters for cotton. The board also aims to improve roads and market yards associated with these markets.
• Punjab Land Records Society: The Punjab Government has formed the Punjab Land Records Society to provide efficient services related to land records. This initiative aims to improve the management and accessibility of land records in the state.

Contract Farming

Contract farming refers to a system where agricultural production is carried out based on an agreement between a buyer and farmers. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions for the production and marketing of a specific farm product or products.

• In contract farming, the farmer typically agrees to provide agreed quantities of a specific agricultural product to the buyer.
• This system is market-driven, meaning that the production is based on existing market demand, unlike traditional farming where a commodity is produced first and then a market is sought for it.

Punjab's Role in Contract Farming

• Punjab is recognized as the first state in India to initiate contract farming.
• This pioneering effort in Punjab has set a precedent for other states in the country to follow.

Horticulture in Punjab

The state of Punjab is known for its production of various fruits, vegetables, flowers, and spices. Let's take a closer look at what Punjab produces:

• Fruits: The main fruit crops in Punjab include Kinnow (a type of citrus fruit), peaches, pears, and guavas. Punjab is the leading state in India for Kinnow production.
• Vegetables: The primary vegetable crop in Punjab is potatoes, where the state ranks third among Indian states in production. Other vegetables grown in Punjab include peas, cucurbits (such as cucumbers and pumpkins), and carrots.
• Flower Seeds: Punjab also produces flower seeds, which have significant export potential.
• Spices: The spices grown in Punjab include chillies, turmeric, and garlic.

Important Districts: Some of the key districts for horticulture in Punjab are Firozpur, Hoshiarpur, and Muktsar. These districts play a vital role in the cultivation and production of horticultural crops in the state.

Organizations Working for Horticultural Development

Punjab Horticulture Department

• Established in 1979-80 and currently located in Muktsar Sahib.
• Developed the Aloo-Bukhara Amritsari, a new variety of plum that is sweeter, more nutritious, and free from stones.

Punjab Agro Juices Limited (PAJL)

• Founded in February 2006 by the Government of Punjab to implement multi-fruit and vegetable processing units in Jahankhelan (Hoshiarpur district) and Alamgarh (Firozpur district).

Initiatives for Horticulture Development

• National Horticulture Mission (NHM): Promotes the growth of fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, and aromatic plants in Punjab.
• Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH):. centrally sponsored scheme for the holistic development of horticulture, implemented in Punjab.
• Food Parks and Modern Markets: Establishment of modern AC fruit and vegetable markets and mandis, with the first food park set up in Fatehgarh Sahib.
• Agri Export Zones: Districts such as Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Sangrur, Ludhiana, and Ropar notified as Agri Export Zones, with potential exportable vegetables including cabbage, broccoli, okra, peas, carrot, green chillies, green beans, and tomato.

Crop Diversification in Punjab

Crop diversification involves introducing new crops or cropping systems into agricultural production. Farmers in Punjab currently rely heavily on intensive wheat and rice cultivation, which has led to negative environmental impacts such as rapid groundwater depletion and soil degradation. Therefore, it is essential to promote crop diversification in agriculture to provide farmers with new and profitable alternatives.

The State Government is making special efforts to encourage crop diversification in the state. A comprehensive Crop Diversification Plan (CDP) is being implemented, focusing on diversification in maize, sugarcane, farm-forestry, and cotton by offering various incentives to farmers to make agriculture more economical.

The Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporation (PAFC) has been successfully increasing the area under basmati, hyola, sunflower, malting barley, and maize through contract farming.

Irrigation in Punjab

Punjab has a well-developed irrigation infrastructure, including dams, canals, tanks, and other facilities. The entire net sown area in the state is 100% irrigated. The main sources of irrigation are canals, dams, wells, and tubewells. According to the Economic Survey 2017-18, the annual availability of surface and groundwater in Punjab is 3.48 million hectare meters (MHM).

Canals

Meet 28% of irrigation needs. Canal System. 14,500 km long. Cultivable Command Area. 42.90 lakh hectares, with 30.88 lakh hectares under canals. Net Irrigated Area by Canals. 11.86 lakh hectares.

River Allocation. 14.22 million acre-feet (MAF) distributed through canal systems linked to the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers.

Chief Canal Systems in Punjab

• Sirhind Canal System: Built in 1882, irrigates 5,200 sq km, 325 km long, branches into Abohar, Bathinda, and Patiala branches.
• Eastern Canal System: Constructed in 1927, non-perennial, originally supplied by Hussainiwala headworks, now mostly from Harike headworks.
• Makhu Canal System: Built in 1950, 92 km long, irrigates Moga district, draws water from the Sutlej River.
• Bhakra Canal System: Built between 1950-54, 164 km long, draws water from the Sutlej River, irrigates Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
• Bist Doab Canal System: Built in 1954, 805 km long, draws water from the Sutlej River at Rupnagar, with branches in Jalandhar and Nawanshahr.
• Sirhind Feeder: Constructed in 1954-55, 136.50 km long, irrigates land in Firozpur, Faridkot, Muktsar, and parts of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan Feeder

• Built between 1958 and 1961.
• Length: 149.53 km.
• Origin: Harike headworks, carrying water from the Ravi and Beas rivers.
• Irrigates: Firozpur, Muktsar, and Faridkot districts.

Shahnehar Canal System

• Established in 1983 downstream of Pong Dam on the Beas River.
• Mukerian Hydel Channel branches off from this system.
• Irrigates: Kandi areas of Hoshiarpur district.

Upper Bari Doab Canal System

• Remodeled between 2001 and 2005.
• Length: 460 km.
• Source: Water from the Ravi River at Madhopur.
• Branches: Makhu, Kasur, and Sabraon branches.
• Irrigates: Lands in Gurdaspur and Amritsar districts.

Kashmir Canal System

• Length: 5.26 km.
• Source: Ravi River upstream of Madhopur headworks.
• Irrigates: Jammu and Kashmir region.
• Branches: Chakandar Feeder and Kathua Canal.

Dams

Ranjit Sagar Dam

• Named after Maharaja Ranjit Singh, located near village Thein in Jammu and Kashmir, also known as Thein Dam.
• Completed on March 4, 2001.
• Multi-purpose river valley project, 24 km upstream of Madhopur headworks.
• Features a 160 m high earth core-cum-gravel shell dam on the Ravi River.
• Gross potential: 3.48 lakh hectares.
• Water shared by Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.

Bhakra Nangal Dam

• Multi-purpose dam on the Sutlej River.
• Irrigates lands in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
• Dedicated to the nation by Pandit Nehru on October 22, 1963, called the ‘Temple of Resurgent India.’
• Second highest dam in India, after Tehri Dam.
• Reservoir: Gobind Sagar, with a capacity of 9.34 billion cubic meters.

Pong and Pandoh Dams

• Located on the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh.
• Built to irrigate Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

Wells and Tubewells

Wells: In the Doab region, where the water table is high, irrigation through wells is quite common. These wells are typically equipped with a Persian wheel to lift water.

Tubewells: Tubewells are prevalent in districts like Ludhiana, Faridkot, Patiala, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Kapurthala. The affordability of electricity has made tubewells a popular choice, providing irrigation for approximately 60% of the fields in Punjab. According to the Economic Survey 2017-18, tubewells irrigate a net area of 29.40 lakh hectares.

State Government Initiatives for Irrigation

Groundwater is the primary source for about 70% of irrigation in Punjab, obtained from wells and tubewells. The State Government has implemented various initiatives to enhance irrigation facilities while conserving water. These initiatives include:

• Construction of Low Dams: Low dams are being constructed in the Kandi region as part of the Kandi area development program to improve irrigation facilities.
• Rainwater Harvesting Schemes: The government has introduced rainwater harvesting schemes to help replenish the depleting groundwater levels in the state.
• Irrigation and Power Research Institute (IPRI): Established in 1924, the IPRI in Amritsar conducts research and provides the latest technology in areas such as Hydraulics Model, Hydrology, and groundwater management. This helps in improving irrigation practices and water management in the state.