Punjab, historically renowned for its agricultural prowess, is grappling with a significant setback in maize cultivation, marked by an alarming 82% decline in acreage over the past five decades. As of July 17, 2024, the state’s maize cultivation area stands at a mere 1,03,624 hectares, down from a substantial 5,77,000 hectares recorded in 1975-76.
This sharp decline in maize cultivation is juxtaposed against a national trend where maize acreage has expanded from 59,80,000 hectares in 1975-76 to 99,00,000 hectares by 2020-21. Punjab’s decreasing focus on maize, traditionally an alternative to water-intensive paddy, underscores growing concerns over agricultural diversification in the agrarian state. Kharif maize, known for its water efficiency compared to paddy, requires minimal irrigation, making it a viable option amidst Punjab’s groundwater challenges
However, despite its benefits and versatility in culinary and industrial applications, maize cultivation in Punjab has stagnated, fluctuating between 95,000 to 1,24,000 hectares annually in recent years. Experts from the Punjab Agriculture Department attribute this decline to various factors, including the state’s persistent preference for paddy, supported by extensive irrigation networks. They highlight the critical role of maize in crop diversification efforts, stressing the need to cultivate an additional 5 to 6 lakh hectares under kharif maize to enhance agricultural sustainability. Agricultural experts suggest that revising minimum support prices (MSP) and withdrawing subsidies on free power for agriculture could incentivize farmers to diversify into maize cultivation more aggressively. They caution against over-reliance on spring season maize due to its potential adverse impact on groundwater levels, emphasizing sustainable agricultural practices.
Districts like Hoshiarpur, Roopnagar, and Amritsar traditionally dominated maize cultivation in Punjab. However, the shift towards paddy has not only reduced maize acreage but also impacted the state’s overall agricultural balance. Despite Punjab’s superior maize productivity per hectare compared to the national average, the state does not rank among India’s top 10 maize-producing states. The Director of the Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR) at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) advocates for enhancing maize cultivation through improved seed technologies and robust government support. He underscores the necessity for Punjab to develop high-quality hybrid seeds locally, reducing dependence on costly imports from other states.
