Spring maize crop aggravating Punjab’s groundwater crisis.

Punjab's Groundwater Crisis: A Well-Intentioned Shift Gone Awry


A move to curb air pollution by introducing short-duration paddy varieties has inadvertently worsened Punjab's groundwater crisis.


The Root Cause


Farmers are increasingly growing spring maize between March-April and June, which demands 18-20 irrigation cycles, further depleting the state's already dwindling groundwater reserves.


Why Spring Maize?


Short-duration paddy varieties (PR124, PR126, PR131, and Pusa-2090) have given farmers a longer window to plant paddy, leading them to grow spring maize as a summer crop.


Consequences of Spring Maize


- Requires excessive irrigation (18-20 cycles)
- Intensifies water consumption, especially in dry months (March-April)
- Needs irrigation every second day for 90 days


Expert Insights


"Spring maize is another paddy in terms of depleting groundwater." - Dhanwinder Singh, Principal Soil Chemist, PAU


Recommendations


- Sow maize between January 20 and February 15 to avoid high-temperature stress and excessive water usage
- Adopt water-efficient practices and crop diversification


The Way Forward


Punjab must address the growing trend of spring maize and prioritize sustainable agriculture practices to mitigate its groundwater crisis.


Key Statistics


- 90% of Punjab's blocks face groundwater depletion
- Pusa 44, a long-duration paddy variety, consumes more water than short-duration varieties
- Maize has long been recommended for crop diversification, but spring maize has become a concern
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