Punjab Unveils Bold Move to Replace Paddy with Maize Across 12,000 Hectares in Water Conservation Push

Chandigarh, June 4 — In a landmark step toward sustainable farming, the Punjab government has launched a major agricultural diversification plan to shift 12,000 hectares from water-guzzling paddy to kharif maize cultivation. The initiative, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and spearheaded by Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, aims to address Punjab’s deepening groundwater crisis and boost farmer incomes.

Farmers adopting maize will receive a financial incentive of ₹17,500 per hectare a package designed to offset input costs like seeds and fertilizers and to promote a shift towards water-efficient crops. According to officials, this pilot project will be implemented in six key districts: Bathinda, Sangrur, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, and Kapurthala.

The initiative includes the deployment of 200 trained Kisan Mitras (Friends of the Farmer) tasked with guiding and motivating cultivators to make the switch. These grassroots-level agricultural facilitators will provide hands-on support, helping farmers adapt to new cropping patterns and methods.

“By diversifying our crops, we can improve soil health, reduce water consumption, and build a resilient farm economy,” said Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian. He emphasized that maize is not only less water-intensive but also offers multiple market avenues, from food products and starch to animal feed.

Dr. Basant Garg, Administrative Secretary of the Agriculture Department, revealed that 1,500 hectares have already been sown with maize under this plan. He underscored the urgency of reducing Punjab’s dependence on paddy, which has been depleting groundwater reserves at an alarming rate due to its high irrigation demands.

Maize, in contrast, demands far less water, making it a logical alternative for regions facing ecological stress. The plan also includes provisions for technical training and agronomic support to ensure that farmers succeed during and after the transition.

This initiative signals a significant policy shift in Punjab’s agricultural landscape from mono-cropping and groundwater depletion to diversification and sustainability. If successful, it could serve as a blueprint for other agrarian states facing similar environmental challenges.