PAU Urges Shift from Paddy to Maize in Kharif Season to Tackle Water Crisis

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) experts advocate for a shift from paddy to maize cultivation during the kharif season to address the water crisis looming over the state. The focus lies on replacing paddy with maize, which offers better economic prospects and demands less water. Spring maize, particularly favored by farmers in various districts including Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, and Ludhiana, has witnessed a significant increase in cultivation area over recent years.

According to PAU Vice-Chancellor SS Gosal, the cultivation of spring maize exacerbates Punjab’s groundwater depletion crisis, urging farmers to curtail its cultivation from February to June. Instead, he advocates for expanding maize cultivation during the kharif season at the expense of paddy, which is notorious for its high water consumption.

Spring maize, offering higher yields per acre compared to wheat, finds favor among farmers due to its demand in the ethanol industry. However, its cultivation requires substantial water resources, posing a threat to Punjab’s already depleting groundwater levels. Experts stress the need for a strategic shift towards kharif maize cultivation to mitigate the water crisis.

Despite maize’s economic allure, particularly its high yield and demand in the ethanol industry, experts emphasize the ecological consequences of its cultivation during the dry season. They propose an increased focus on kharif maize cultivation as a sustainable alternative to water-intensive paddy farming, aligning with the broader goal of water conservation and ecological sustainability in Punjab’s agricultural landscape.