Role of farm inputs in sustaining Punjab agriculture

The study revealed that the use of inputs such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, sources of irrigation and agricultural labour have increased at a growth rate of 6.39, 1.96, 2.03, 0.81 and 3.18 percent, respectively over the years. The number of tractors in state which were only 1.10 lakhs in 1980 increased to more than four lakhs in 2010. Also, other farm machinery such as disc harrow, seed-cum-fertilizer drills and threshers have also increased at a growth rate of five, seven and 12 percent, respectively. At the end, it was concluded that in order to achieve good returns accompanied with sustainability in Punjab agriculture, some efforts should be undertaken that is, the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides should be contained by using alternative manures like green manure, farm yard manure (FYM), natural pest control techniques, IPM techniques and bio-fertilizers. Farmers especially marginal and small one's should be advised for making judicious use of farm machinery by working on custom hiring basis for making their farming viable. Emphasis should be given on growing water saving crops. Besides, farmer's training camps, demonstrations and adoption of new agricultural technologies can be helpful in making farming viable.