Agrarian Distress in Punjab: Challenges and Prospects

This paper endeavors to discuss the various dimensions of agrarian crisis in Punjab agriculture to give the readers a bird's eye view of the causes behind the fall of Punjab Agriculture in the traps of Agrarian Crisis. Introduction of high yielding varieties of wheat and rice during late 1960s, coupled with an appropriate policy environment and progressive farming community put the agricultural economy of the State on a high growth path during the green revolution era. Consolidation of holdings, development of irrigation, high capital investment, improved infrastructure and strong institutional reforms and net-work provided very conducive environment for success of green revolution technology in the state. The technology led strategy resulted into the transformation of agriculture and rural economy in the state and converted Punjab into food bowl of the country. Of late, some disturbing trends have emerged in the agriculture sector of the state. In this context, the various natural, economic, social and political factors are responsible for the deep rooted agrarian distress in Punjab. The combination of these factors has pushed the farmers to end their lives. Therefore, the central government must consider these factors and give some special packages for the crop diversification and to prevent farmer and farm labourers suicides and make them debt free and prosperous.