Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) experts have raised serious concerns about groundwater depletion, stubble burning, and the sale of unapproved pesticides in Punjab. During a recent monthly review meeting attended by senior officials, faculty members, and scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Farm Advisory Service Centres, and Regional Research Stations, urgent measures were discussed to address these critical agricultural challenges.
Dr. M.S. Bhullar, Director of Extension Education at PAU, highlighted the alarming drop in the state's underground water table, stressing the necessity of shifting towards less water-intensive rice varieties for the upcoming Kharif season. He urged extension functionaries to promote Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) technology, which significantly reduces water and labor consumption.
Additionally, he called for diversification into alternative crops such as oilseeds, pulses, and horticultural produce to ease the pressure on groundwater resources and enhance farmers' profitability.
A sharp decline in Punjab’s cotton acreage, from a substantial 7 lakh hectares to less than 1 lakh hectares, has raised concerns among agricultural experts. Dr. G.S. Mangat, Additional Director of Research at PAU, emphasized the need for robust pre-sowing management strategies to combat pink bollworm infestations, which have significantly contributed to declining cotton production.
Dr. Mangat also expressed concern over the increasing sale of unapproved agricultural chemicals, stating that unauthorized weedicides, fungicides, and insecticides are being sold without university recommendations, leading to financial burden and crop losses for farmers.
In response to this growing issue, PAU has urged the Punjab government to impose a strict ban on the sale of unauthorized agricultural products. Ensuring the adoption of university-recommended pesticides and fertilizers would help safeguard both farmers' investments and the broader agro-ecosystem.
Additionally, experts reiterated the need for widespread adoption of crop residue management technologies to combat the issue of stubble burning, which poses environmental and health hazards while depleting soil fertility.
During the meeting, Dr. G.P.S. Sodhi and Dr. T.S. Dhillon, Additional Directors of Extension Education, reiterated the institution's commitment to providing science-backed solutions to Punjab’s agricultural sector.
The session concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize sustainable practices that balance productivity with environmental conservation, ensuring a more secure future for the state's farmers
