Sustainable irrigation water use in Punjab agriculture: An economic analysis Esar Bashir Ahmad*, Sachdeva Jatinder Department of Economics and Sociology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004 *Corresponding author email: esarjan@gmail.com
Online Published on 26 February, 2024. Abstract The current study developed optimal crop plans by restricting irrigation water use and incorporating technologies like happy seeder, direct-seeded rice, and short-duration varieties. The technique of linear programming has been used to develop optimum plans using data collected under the “Comprehensive scheme for studying the cost of cultivation of principal crops in Punjab” pertaining to the year 2018-19. The optimal crop plans developed with 10 per cent savings in irrigation water recommend decreasing the area under paddy and potato crops while the area under maize, basmati, sugarcane, cotton, moong, barley, sunflower, and peas needs to be increased. Adopting the optimal plans with these technologies will help crop diversification, and increase returns. The optimal plans will help increase use of human labour while reducing chemical fertilizers use. Further, the money saved by the government from electricity subsidy provided to run tube wells can be utilized to develop agricultural infrastructure and offering competitive prices for less irrigation water-requiring crops. Top Keywords Sustainable, Irrigation water, Optimal plan, Agriculture, Technology, Returns. Top |