Punjab : Pilot project to replace paddy with water-saving kharif maize ‘too little, too late’: experts
A Punjab government pilot project promoting a shift from paddy to kharif maize in six districts has faced criticism from experts. They argue the initiative is too limited in scope, suggesting a minimum of 50,000 hectares should have been targeted. Experts also say the project should have launched earlier, as crop diversification is not a new concept in Punjab.
A pilot project launched by the Punjab government to encourage farmers in six districts to shift from water-intensive paddy to kharif maize to address groundwater depletion and promote crop diversification has drawn flak from experts.
Criticising the initiative, experts say the pilot covers too limited an area compared to the vast expanse under paddy cultivation in the state.
They said the government should have aimed for at least 50,000 hectares for the pilot project.
Additionally, they pointed out the project should have been launched in the first year of the AAP government’s tenure, considering crop diversification is neither a new concept for Punjab nor any party in power.
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Source : The Indian Express
