Need of crop diversification to achieve sustainable agriculture in Punjab: A brief review

The agrarian economy of Punjab witnessed a significant growth since the mid 1960s due to the success of Green Revolution. The increased profitability of paddy and wheat crops, due to adoption of advanced technology and supportive government, directed farmers to shift substantial area under these crops, which have led to a situation of monoculture of paddy-wheat in the State. While the rapid growth in rice and wheat production yielded high dividends, it was realized during late 1980’s that gains may not be sustainable. Currently, there is a growing concern about the sustainability of Rice Wheat Cropping System (RWCS), as the growth rates of rice and wheat yields are either stagnating or declining. The sustainability of agricultural production is basically based on the optimal and sustainable use of natural resources, such as land and water. In lieu of earning high profits, farmers as well as public policy aiming at votes are ignoring the degradation of crucial resources, particularly groundwater, soil, human-health, etc. The degradation of groundwater has increased the cost of production manifolds. The study concluded the realization of need to shift from monoculture to diversified cropping pattern to achieve sustainable agriculture.