Maize a good candidate to replace paddy and wheat in Punjab: Ramesh Chand

livemint.com:

Mint event, Chand said the government's policy think tank is working on a plan to identify certain high-value crops as replacements for paddy in Punjab, aiming to protect the environment while ensuring that farmers' incomes are not impacted. Rice cultivation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. Indian paddy fields emit about 3.3 million tonnes of methane annually, which accounts for around 10% of the country's total methane emissions.

This is equivalent to about 82.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in terms of its global warming potential, as per reports from the environment ministry. In addition, there are ecological problems. According to a 2023 report from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), soil fertility in Punjab has significantly declined, with over 70% of soil samples tested showing nutrient deficiencies, particularly in phosphorus and potassium.

The report says continuous intensive cultivation and overuse of chemical fertilizers have led to a 25% reduction in soil organic matter over the past decade. The NITI Aayog member emphasised the need for crop diversification through a comprehensive policy that also focuses on developing related industries. “The profitability and technological conformity of rice and wheat are currently so high that no other crops come close.

However, this dominance has created challenges, especially in regions like Punjab, where water resources are depleting," he said at the event. One of the most promising alternatives to paddy in Punjab is maize cultivation, which holds significant potential, particularly for bioethanol production. Chand also noted that high-value crops, such as fruit and vegetables, have the potential to replace cereal