Agricultural Production and Cropping Pattern in Punjab

Agricultural Production and Cropping Pattern

The total production of foodgrains has increased over the years. It was 192.18 lakh metric tons in 1990-91 and showed increase of 38.95% in 2014-15(P) i.e. 267.03 lakh metric tons. Further, it is estimated that the production of foodgrains would be 286.05(E) lakh metric ton in 2015-16. 

The production of the wheat has increased by 24.09% and the production of rice has increased by 70.72% from 1990-91 to 2014-15 (P). During 2015-16(E), the production of wheat was 171 lakh metric tons and the production of rice is 106.20 lakh metric tons. However, the production of pulses have increased from 0.09 lakh metric ton in 2014-15(P) to 0.38 lakh metric tons in 2015-16(E). The production of sugarcane has show different  trends over the years, as it deceased from 6.01 lakh metric tons in 1990-91 to 4.17 lakh metric tons in 2010-11. It increased during 2012-13 (4.89 lakh metric tons) to 2014-15 (5.81 lakh metric tons) and estimated to increase to 6.63 lakh metric tons in 2015-16. The production of Cotton (cleaned) has decreased from 14.91 lakh bales in 2013-14 to 13.42 lakh bales in 2014-15(P) and further to 5.22 lakh bales in 2015-16(E).

Production of Major Crops in Punjab

The state has witnessed a considerable change on cropping pattern in the post Green Revolution era with major focus on wheat-paddy Crop Rotation. The area under wheat and paddy has increased manifolds during the last 5 decades, whereas the area under oilseeds, pulses, maize other Cereals, etc has decreased sharply. The area under cotton & sugarcane has remained more or less constant. The HYVs have replaced the multi- cropping pattern with Monoculture of wheat and rice resulting in exploitation of natural Resources of state especially water and Soil, besides leading to loss of floral Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity. Most HYVs are highly input intensive leading to higher use of Irrigation water, Fertilizers and pesticides for their optimum Growth and yield. The Cropping Intensity (ratio of net sown area to gross cropped area) in the state has increased sharply from 126% in 1960-61 to 191 in 2012-13 with adoption of input intensive agricultural practices. As per State of Indian agriculture Report, 2012-13, Punjab has the highest cropping intensity in the country closely followed by West Bengal (185%), Haryana (181%), Himachal Pradesh (173%) and Orrisa (162%) as compared to all India Percentage 138%.  The high cropping intensity severely affects Soil fertility as it leaves no time natural rejuvenation

Increase in cropping intensity in Punjab                                                          

Wheat and Paddy cover the major portion of the gross cropped area and area under these two crops has increased from 47 % in 1970-71 to 80.77% in 2012-13. Area under wheat has however decreased marginally from 35.17 lakh hectares in 2012-13 to 35.12 lakh hectares in 2013-14(P) and is expected to decline to 34.70 lakh hectares during 2014-15(E). Area under Paddy was slightly increased from 28.49 lakh hectares in 2012-13 to 28.51 lakh hectares in 2013-14.

 ,

Punjab is a state in northwestern India. It is known for its fertile land and agricultural production. The state has a long history of agriculture, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization.

Punjab’s soil is rich in nutrients and is well-suited for growing a variety of crops. The state’s Climate is also ideal for agriculture, with hot summers and mild winters.

The main crops grown in Punjab are wheat, rice, cotton, and sugarcane. Wheat is the most important crop, accounting for about 40% of the state’s agricultural production. Rice is the second most important crop, accounting for about 20% of the state’s agricultural production. Cotton is the third most important crop, accounting for about 10% of the state’s agricultural production. Sugarcane is the fourth most important crop, accounting for about 5% of the state’s agricultural production.

Punjab is one of the most agriculturally productive states in India. The state’s agricultural production has been increasing steadily in recent years. In 2017-18, the state’s agricultural production was valued at ₹2,10,000 crore.

Punjab’s agricultural productivity is high due to a number of factors, including the state’s fertile land, favorable climate, and use of modern agricultural technologies. The state’s farmers are also highly skilled and efficient.

Punjab faces a number of agricultural challenges, including water scarcity, soil degradation, and pests and diseases. The state’s Water Resources are limited and are being overused. This has led to water scarcity in some parts of the state. Soil degradation is also a major problem in Punjab. The state’s soil is becoming increasingly saline and eroded. This is due to the use of intensive agricultural practices, such as the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Pests and diseases are also a major problem in Punjab. The state’s crops are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, which can cause significant damage to crops.

The Punjab government has taken a number of steps to address the state’s agricultural challenges. The government has invested in water conservation and irrigation projects. The government has also promoted the use of sustainable agricultural practices, such as Organic Farming. The government has also taken steps to control pests and diseases.

The future of agriculture in Punjab is bright. The state has the potential to become a major agricultural producer in the world. The state’s government is committed to promoting agriculture and is taking steps to address the state’s agricultural challenges. With the right policies and investments, Punjab can become a major agricultural powerhouse.

Here are some additional details about Punjab’s agricultural production and cropping pattern:

• Punjab is the largest producer of wheat in India. In 2017-18, the state produced 13.5 million tonnes of wheat.
• Punjab is also the second largest producer of rice in India. In 2017-18, the state produced 12.5 million tonnes of rice.
• Cotton is the third most important crop in Punjab. In 2017-18, the state produced 4.5 million tonnes of cotton.
• Sugarcane is the fourth most important crop in Punjab. In 2017-18, the state produced 4.0 million tonnes of sugarcane.
• The main cropping pattern in Punjab is a rice-wheat rotation. This means that farmers grow rice in the summer and wheat in the winter.
• The rice-wheat rotation is a very efficient way to use water. Rice is a water-intensive crop, but wheat is a less water-intensive crop. By growing rice in the summer and wheat in the winter, farmers can use water more efficiently.
• The rice-wheat rotation is also a very productive way to grow crops. Rice and wheat are both high-yielding crops. By growing rice and wheat together, farmers can produce a lot of food on a small amount of land.
• However, the rice-wheat rotation is also a very environmentally damaging way to grow crops. The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides can pollute the Environment. The irrigation of rice fields can also lead to waterlogging and Salinization.
• The Punjab government is working to reduce the environmental impact of the rice-wheat rotation. The government is promoting the use of organic farming and sustainable irrigation practices. The government is also working to develop new crops that are less water-intensive than rice and wheat.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about agriculture:

1. What is agriculture?
   Agriculture is the practice of cultivating Plants and Livestock. Agriculture was the key development in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that enabled people to live in cities. The history of agriculture began thousands of years ago. After gathering wild grains beginning at least 105,000 years ago, nascent farmers began to plant them around 11,500 years ago. Pigs, sheep and cattle were domesticated over 10,000 years ago. Plants were independently cultivated in at least 11 regions of the world.

2. What are the different types of agriculture?
   There are many different types of agriculture, but some of the most common include:

3. Subsistence agriculture: This type of agriculture is used to produce enough food to meet the needs of the farmer and their family. It is often practiced in developing countries where there is little access to markets or other sources of food.

4. Commercial agriculture: This type of agriculture is used to produce crops or livestock for sale. It is often practiced in developed countries where there is a large market for agricultural products.
5. Intensive agriculture: This type of agriculture uses a lot of inputs, such as fertilizer, pesticides, and irrigation, to produce a high yield. It is often practiced in developed countries where land is scarce and expensive.

6. Extensive agriculture: This type of agriculture uses fewer inputs and produces a lower yield. It is often practiced in developing countries where land is abundant and labor is cheap.

7. What are the benefits of agriculture?
   Agriculture provides many benefits, including:

8. Food: Agriculture produces the food that we eat. It is responsible for providing us with the nutrients that we need to survive and thrive.

9. Fiber: Agriculture produces fibers that are used to make clothing, paper, and other products.
10. Fuel: Agriculture produces biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, which can be used to power vehicles.
11. Jobs: Agriculture employs millions of people around the world.

12. Economic Development: Agriculture is a major driver of economic development in many countries.

13. What are the challenges of agriculture?
    Agriculture faces many challenges, including:

14. Climate Change: Climate change is causing changes in weather patterns, which can make it difficult for farmers to grow crops.

15. Water scarcity: Water scarcity is a major problem in many parts of the world, and it is making it difficult for farmers to irrigate their crops.
16. Pests and diseases: Pests and diseases can damage crops and livestock, which can lead to food shortages and economic losses.
17. Deforestation: Deforestation is a major problem in many parts of the world, and it is reducing the amount of land that is available for agriculture.

18. Pollution: Agriculture can pollute the air, water, and soil. This can have a negative impact on human Health and the environment.

19. What is the future of agriculture?
    The future of agriculture is uncertain. Climate change, water scarcity, pests and diseases, deforestation, and pollution are all challenges that will need to be addressed in order to ensure that agriculture can continue to provide food for the world’s growing Population.

Sure, here are some MCQs on the topics of agricultural production and cropping pattern in Punjab:

1. Which of the following is not a major crop grown in Punjab?
   (A) Wheat
   (B) Rice
   (C) Cotton
   (D) Sugarcane

2. The main reason for the high agricultural production in Punjab is:
   (A) The fertile soil
   (B) The availability of water
   (C) The use of modern agricultural techniques
   (D) All of the above

3. The main cropping pattern in Punjab is:
   (A) Wheat-rice
   (B) Rice-wheat
   (C) Cotton-wheat
   (D) Sugarcane-wheat

4. The main irrigation source in Punjab is:
   (A) Canals
   (B) Tube wells
   (C) Tanks
   (D) All of the above

5. The main agricultural problem in Punjab is:
   (A) Waterlogging
   (B) Salinity
   (C) Soil erosion
   (D) All of the above

6. The main agricultural policy of the government of Punjab is:
   (A) To increase agricultural production
   (B) To improve the cropping pattern
   (C) To reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers
   (D) All of the above

7. The main agricultural research institute in Punjab is:
   (A) Punjab Agricultural University
   (B) Central Soil Salinity Research Institute
   (C) Indian Agricultural Research Institute
   (D) All of the above

8. The main agricultural university in Punjab is:
   (A) Punjab Agricultural University
   (B) Central Soil Salinity Research Institute
   (C) Indian Agricultural Research Institute
   (D) All of the above

9. The main agricultural cooperative Society in Punjab is:
   (A) Punjab State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation
   (B) Punjab State Cooperative Land Development Bank
   (C) Punjab State Cooperative Bank
   (D) All of the above

10. The main Agricultural Marketing board in Punjab is:
    (A) Punjab State Warehousing Corporation
    (B) Punjab State Foodgrains Corporation
    (C) Punjab State Cotton Corporation
    (D) All of the above