Maize Acreage Crisis in Punjab Threatens Agricultural Balance

Punjab, once a bastion of agricultural diversity, is facing a severe crisis in maize cultivation, with an 82% decline in acreage over the past five decades. As of July 2024, maize is grown on just 1,03,624 hectares in the state, a stark contrast to the 5,77,000 hectares recorded in 1975-76. This sharp contraction in maize cultivation occurs despite a national surge in maize acreage, which expanded from 59,80,000 hectares in 1975-76 to 99,00,000 hectares by 2020-21.

Punjab’s preference for water-intensive paddy, supported by vast irrigation networks, has steadily pushed maize out of the agricultural equation, despite its well-documented water efficiency and adaptability. Kharif maize, in particular, requires minimal irrigation, making it an ideal candidate for the state’s water-stressed regions. Agricultural experts warn that the lack of diversification towards maize threatens Punjab’s agricultural sustainability, especially considering the depletion of groundwater. The Punjab Agriculture Department suggests cultivating an additional 5 to 6 lakh hectares under maize to restore balance, advocating for a shift in government support systems, such as adjusting the minimum support price (MSP) and reducing subsidies on free power to discourage excessive reliance on paddy.

Despite having one of the highest maize productivity rates in the country, Punjab does not feature among India’s top 10 maize-producing states. Traditionally, districts like Hoshiarpur, Roopnagar, and Amritsar have been maize strongholds, but the shift towards paddy has disrupted this balance. The state’s superior productivity has not translated into increased acreage, largely due to economic and policy pressures.