In a significant shift reflecting changing agricultural trends, Punjab’s cotton cultivation, famously dubbed “white gold,” has witnessed a sharp decline this year. The area under cotton cultivation has plummeted from 2.14 lakh hectares in 2023 to a mere 99,601.5 hectares, highlighting a stark change in farmer preferences.
Last year, cotton farmers faced disappointing returns, earning a modest profit of Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 per acre. In contrast, those cultivating non-basmati and basmati crops reaped substantially higher profits ranging from Rs 40,000 to Rs 45,000 per acre, as reported by the Agriculture Department. This economic disparity should have set off alarms for policymakers, especially amidst efforts to diversify crops and ensure sustainable agriculture.
Rather than opting for water-intensive non-basmati paddy, farmers, particularly in South Malwa, have turned to summer moong cultivation on a large scale, replacing traditional cotton crops. Approximately 45,000 hectares of land across Fazilka, Bathinda, Mansa, Muktsar, Sangrur, Barnala, Faridkot, and Moga districts have shifted from cotton to moong, according to Agriculture Department data.
Jaswant Singh, Director of the Agriculture Department, anticipates a significant increase in basmati cultivation following the moong harvest. The government aims to expand basmati cultivation from 5.96 lakh hectares last year to 10 lakh hectares this year, emphasizing its less water-intensive nature.
Interestingly, the shift away from cotton has also seen a rise in hybrid varieties of non-basmati paddy like SAWA 7501, 27P51, 27P22, and 28P67, which have gained popularity among farmers despite concerns over some unapproved varieties. Agriculture officers have cautioned about potential risks associated with these unapproved hybrids, emphasizing that such crops may not be eligible for compensation in case of natural calamities.
Looking ahead, Punjab’s agricultural strategy for the upcoming year targets 30.57 lakh hectares under paddy cultivation, including both basmati and non-basmati varieties. This reflects a strategic move to adapt to changing market demands and climatic conditions, aiming to optimize yields while ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.
The transformation in crop choices underscores a broader shift in Punjab’s agricultural landscape, where economic viability and environmental sustainability increasingly shape farmer decisions. As cotton’s allure dims, the rise of alternative crops like moong and hybrid paddy varieties signals a dynamic shift in how farmers navigate challenges and opportunities in Punjab’s agrarian economy.
