Dynamics of Energy Use Pattern in Punjab Agriculture

The present study based on secondary data made attempt to examine the energy use pattern in Punjab agriculture. The study shows that Punjab farmers shifted from non-commercial energy sources to commercial energy sources for their various energy needs in agriculture. After 1970–71, the use of commercial energy inputs had been increasing every year and in 2012–13, its share in total energy used in agricultural production was 94.21 per cent, whereas the share of non-commercial energy inputs reduced to 5.79 per cent during this period. Energy used per hectare in the state increased by 558.09 per cent from 1970–71 to 2012–13. Amongst the various commercial energy sources, electricity has shown maximum increase (23.26 times) followed by tractors 19.51 times and electric motors 13.10 times during the period from 1970–71 to 2012–13. All these figures depict the transformation of traditional agriculture to commercialization of agriculture. Moreover, the increasing use of commercial energy on Punjab farms draws our attention to check the use of this valuable and limited resource.