Diversification of crops in Punjab: cost benefit analysis

The continuous cultivation of Rabi and Kharif crops rotation over the past three and half decades is showing its ill-effects on soil health and water table. Having witnessed a fast growth, the agriculture in Punjab has reached a plateau. To sustain even the existing level, the costs are increasing and natural resources are being depleted due to overuse. This study has examined that how we can cut the cost as well as maintain our natural resources by moving out of Rabi and Kharif crops which are mainly concentrated only on two crops i.e. wheat and paddy, by exploring alternative of cash as well as market fetching crops. The data collected from secondary sources for a comparative study that such cropping system would not only benefit the farmers by providing them more income per acre but is also well suited for sustainable agriculture for ensuring future food security. The study revealed that the variable expenses (Rs)on cost of cultivation of alternative crops(brinjal, Rs 28648.55, onion Rs 45826.43, potato (Rs 49407.26), chilly (Rs 49407.26) to paddy (Rs 13679.00) and wheat(Rs 13823.00) are much higher, but the returns (Rs) are more in alternate crops e.g. paddy (Rs 25326.00) wheat (Rs18677.00) brinjal (Rs 125496.74) chilly (Rs. 226103.57). The projected demand of the oilseeds (59mmt) and vegetables (161mmt) is going to increase incoming years than their recent annual production (i.e. 30mmt & 147mmt respectively). The main reasons for non diversification found were higher cost of inputs (fertilizers & pesticides), human labour and transportation, marketing charges. If ready markets and contract marketing facility are provided to the farmers, then only they will be motivated for crop diversification.