In their article, Ashok Gulati and Reena Singh discuss the urgent need for Haryana and Punjab to transition from paddy cultivation to less water-intensive crops. The authors highlight that paddy, a staple in these states, consumes enormous amounts of water, leading to groundwater depletion, soil degradation, and environmental stress. This situation is further exacerbated by climate change and erratic monsoons.
Source:- news 18
To address this challenge, Gulati and Singh propose several solutions. Firstly, they advocate for a shift in cropping patterns towards alternatives like maize, pulses, and oilseeds, which require less water and are more suitable for the semi-arid regions of Haryana and Punjab. They suggest that the government should provide minimum support prices (MSPs) and assured procurement for these alternative crops, similar to the current system for paddy, to incentivize farmers to make the switch.
Source:- BBC news
Secondly, the authors recommend investing in modern irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler systems, which use water more efficiently than traditional flood irrigation methods. They argue that these technologies, coupled with better agronomic practices, can help conserve water and reduce the dependency on groundwater.
Thirdly, they propose the introduction of direct cash transfers to farmers, replacing the existing subsidies for electricity and water. This would encourage more judicious use of resources, as farmers would have a financial incentive to minimize their water and electricity consumption.
Finally, Gulati and Singh stress the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate farmers on the benefits of diversified cropping patterns and sustainable agricultural practices. They believe that with the right combination of incentives, infrastructure, and education, Haryana and Punjab can successfully move away from water-intensive paddy cultivation and adopt more sustainable farming practices that ensure long-term agricultural viability and environmental sustainability.
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