Uttarakhand : Ban imposed on summer paddy cultivation in parts of Terai to conserve groundwater, promote maize farming
Udham Singh Nagar district has banned summer paddy cultivation to conserve groundwater, promoting maize as an alternative. Supported by an Rs 8 crore project, it aims to save 5,000 lakh litres of water. Maize requires less water and offers higher yields. The initiative covers 22,000 hectares and includes government support for seeds, facilities, and minimum support price procurement.
RUDRAPUR: In a bid to tackle the alarming depletion of groundwater in the Terai region, the administration has banned summer paddy cultivation in Udham Singh Nagar district, proposing maize as a sustainable alternative. The initiative, backed by an Rs 8 crore project approved by the Kumaon commissioner, aims to save approximately 5,000 lakh litres of water during the summer season.”Producing 1kg of paddy consumes around 5,000 litres of water, whereas maize requires only a fifth of that. The shift will not only conserve water but also increase crop yield and profitability for farmers,” said Abhay Saxena, chief agriculture officer of the district.
The transition will cover 22,000ha of farmland in Kashipur, Jaspur, and Bajpur—areas designated as red zones due to severe groundwater depletion. Authorities cite repeated puddling of fields as a major contributor to soil degradation, methane emissions, and water quality deterioration. The high susceptibility of paddy to pests and diseases has also increased production costs and left harmful chemical residues in the soil, further threatening ecological balance.Kumaon commissioner Deepak Rawat said, “To preserve the groundwater table, summer paddy cultivation will soon be entirely banned in the Terai. The govt will assist farmers by providing hybrid seeds, sowing and harvesting facilities, and ensuring minimum support price (MSP) procurement for maize. A proposal for additional funds has also been sent to the central govt.”
The administration also mandated a ban on direct sowing, nursery preparation, and transplantation of paddy during specified periods. The directive, issued by former district magistrate Udayraj Singh on Saturday, prohibits these activities in Jaspur, Kashipur, and Bazpur blocks between May 1 and Aug 15 to curb further damage. Farmers with swampy or waterlogged land unsuitable for maize or sugarcane cultivation may seek special permission for paddy cultivation.The govt committed to linking maize production with bio-ethanol plants to provide assured markets for farmers. Alternative crops such as pulses, oilseeds, and sugarcane are also being encouraged to diversify agricultural practices and reduce environmental stress. “The project will help balance agricultural needs with environmental sustainability, ensuring a brighter future for the region,” added Rawat.
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Source Link : Times Of India
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