Shift in cropping pattern vis-à-vis stress on water resources in Punjab

The study aims to analyze emerging stress on water resources related to shift in cropping pattern in Punjab. Both primary as well as secondary data sources have been tapped to achieve the stipulated objectives. The results revealed that due to assured prices and public procurement the area under paddy, a non-traditional crop has increased. Continuation of the monoculture in cropping pattern over the last four decades has put severe pressure on the water resources of the state. The annual average rainfall in Punjab has shown a declining trend along with a decrease in the use of canal irrigation resulting into increased pressure on groundwater resources. This has necessitated the increased investment on deepening of wells and installation of submersible pumps thereby increasing the debt burden on the farming community as financial requirements in majority of cases were met through borrowings.