Land use dynamics and its implication for the agricultural sector in Indian Punjab

This paper examines the dynamics of land use and its implications for the agricultural sector of Punjab based on secondary data from different land classes. The findings reveal a significant land shift from a desirable ecological and agricultural sector to an undesirable non-agricultural sector. The net sown area in the state had increased till the 1990s and then showed declining growth. The land put to non-agricultural uses, permanent pastures and other grazing lands, land under miscellaneous tree crops not included in area sown, and the net sown area show a significant positive impact on cropping intensity, and the net irrigated area, the average size of holdings and an average yield of rice have a positive determining factor for cropping intensity. For proper management and conservation of land resources, it is recommended that a scientific and institutional framework be established in the state.