Reaffirming the Punjab government’s strong commitment to safeguarding groundwater for future generations, CM Bhagwant Mann on Saturday announced that paddy cultivation in the state will begin zone-wise starting June 1.
Speaking at the Sarkar Kisan Milni event, CM Bhagwant Mann said Punjab has been divided into three zones for this initiative. Paddy sowing will begin on June 1, June 5, and June 9 in different districts to better manage water use and power demand during the season.
CM Bhagwant Mann stressed that while Punjab feeds the nation by contributing 45% to the central food grain pool, the state draws groundwater equivalent to nine Gobind Sagar Lakes during just 70 days of paddy season. This unsustainable use of water, he warned, threatens future generations.
Highlighting the water-intensity of paddy farming, he cited that it takes 4000 litres of water to produce one kilogram of paddy, making it crucial to regulate the sowing schedule. Over the years, the area under paddy cultivation in Punjab has expanded from 20 lakh to 32 lakh hectares, further increasing pressure on water resources.
CM Bhagwant Mann said government efforts have begun to bear fruit, with the groundwater level improving by one metre, according to a Union government report.
Zone-wise Paddy Sowing Schedule:
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June 1: Faridkot, Bathinda, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Sri Muktsar Sahib
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June 5: Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Hoshiarpur
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June 9: Ludhiana, Moga, Jalandhar, Mansa, Malerkotla, Sangrur, Patiala, Barnala, SBS Nagar, Kapurthala
This phased approach will ease pressure on electricity supply, help prevent moisture-related problems during procurement, and ensure smooth marketing for farmers.
Ban on Water-Guzzling Pussa-44 Variety
CM Bhagwant Mann revealed that the state is planning to ban the Pussa-44 paddy variety, which needs 152 days and 64 lakh litres of water per acre, along with high input and power costs. It also produces 10% more stubble, adding to the pollution burden.
I mproved Power and Canal Water Supply
The government will ensure a minimum of 8 hours of power daily during the paddy season. In areas with canal water, electricity will be provided during night hours. He criticized previous governments for neglecting canal systems and said that under his leadership, 15,947 water channels have been revived, benefiting even remote villages. Canal water usage for irrigation has now risen from 21% to 75%, reducing groundwater dependency and improving soil health.
Promoting Crop Diversification & Basmati Cultivation
To break the wheat-paddy cycle, the government is pushing for alternative crops like maize and ensuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) for them. Mann emphasized that Punjab contributes 80% of India’s Basmati, and there are plans to expand its cultivation. He assured farmers of government support and assured pricing for Basmati to increase their income and reduce water use.
No Fertilizer Shortage and Farmer-Centric Policies
CM Bhagwant Mann also vowed that no shortage of DAP or Urea will be allowed during the season. Acknowledging that farming is no longer profitable due to rising input costs and falling returns, he said the government is committed to making agriculture viable again.
CM Bhagwant Mann concluded by saying that the Sarkar Kisan Milni aims to bridge the gap between policymakers and farmers, ensuring decisions reflect the real needs of the farming community.