To tackle this, the state will implement zone-wise paddy sowing
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday reaffirmed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s unwavering support for farmers, while announcing a major initiative to conserve groundwater through staggered, zone-wise paddy cultivation starting June 1.
Addressing the Sarkar Kisaan Milni, CM Mann emphasized the urgent need to preserve water resources for future generations. "Punjab, the food bowl of the nation, contributes 45% of grains to the central pool. But during the 70-day paddy season, we pump out water equivalent to nine Gobind Sagar Lakes — a dangerously unsustainable practice," he said.
To tackle this, the state will implement zone-wise paddy sowing from:
- June 1 in Faridkot, Bathinda, Fazilka, Ferozepur, and Sri Muktsar Sahib
- June 5 in Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Rupnagar, Mohali, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Hoshiarpur
- June 9 in Ludhiana, Moga, Jalandhar, Mansa, Malerkotla, Sangrur, Patiala, Barnala, SBS Nagar, and Kapurthala
"This staggered approach will ease the pressure on the state’s power supply during peak season and reduce post-harvest issues like high moisture content in October," Mann explained, noting that extensive planning is already underway to ensure a smooth transition.
Highlighting the environmental cost of paddy cultivation, the CM cited the Pusa-44 variety as a major concern. "This variety alone consumes 64 lakh litres of water per acre over 152 days and costs the state ₹7,500 per acre in power subsidies. It also generates 10% more stubble than other varieties. We are considering a ban on it," he said.
Mann also assured uninterrupted eight-hour daily power supply during the season. In areas with canal irrigation, this power will be provided during nighttime hours. "Past governments failed to revive Punjab's rich irrigation system. We have restored 15,947 water courses, bringing canal water even to remote villages," he added.
He noted that the usage of canal water for irrigation has risen from 21% to 75% under the AAP government — a significant leap in reducing the state's dependency on groundwater. "Canal water is not only rich in minerals that improve soil fertility but also relieves pressure on our power infrastructure," Mann said.
To encourage crop diversification, CM Mann said the government is working on securing Minimum Support Price (MSP) and better marketing for alternative crops like maize. He also promised there would be no black marketing of DAP and urea fertilizers during the season.
"Rising input costs and falling returns have made farming unviable. Through interactions like today’s, we aim to bridge the gap between policymakers and farmers and create agriculture-friendly policies," he asserted.
Mann also championed Basmati rice cultivation as a water-saving and profitable alternative. "Punjab accounts for 80% of India’s Basmati production. We will further boost this sector and ensure that farmers receive assured prices for their Basmati produce," he pledged.
Reiterating his government’s commitment, CM Mann concluded, “The AAP government stands shoulder to shoulder with Punjab’s farmers. We will continue to fight for their rights and build an agriculture system that’s sustainable, profitable, and future-ready.”
