Towards unsustainable resource use in Punjab agriculture

This paper makes an attempt to develop a composite index to measure sustainability of resource-use for Punjab state. Sustainability in agriculture has evolved overtime. In present perspective, its definition has been centred on optimal resource-use, maintaining environment quality. In consequence, the indexis based on three resource components, namely, land, water and air. The data were deployed on five indicators pertaining to these components from 1970 to 2015. The overall index shows decline in resource sustainability in entire Punjab. Majorly, districts in central and south-western region have become highly unsustainable overtime. Thus, a regular assessment of sustainability of resource-use is required and this index can be useful for effective policy decision making. The overall index highlights the nature of resource sustainability. It raises awareness and understanding of district level differences in sustainability. It aims to trigger interventions leading to sustainable solutions in agriculture for Punjab.