Natural resources management in Punjab agriculture : challenges and way forward

Intensive agriculture in Punjab has led to decline in crop diversity, depletion of natural resources, rising energy use and subsidies in agriculture, and decline in profitability. It is urgent to diversify existing cropping patterns by moving to less water-intensive crops, improving water-use efficiency, and towards better soil health management based on the actual requirement of nutrients needs. The paper reviews farming methods and outcomes, providing recommendations for improved agricultural policies and cropping practices. For instance, changing water use management will require a change in mindset on the part of the policy makers, researchers, and extension agents as well as farmers