Centre to promote oilseeds, pulses over rice in Punjab, Haryana

In the wake of fast-depleting water table in Punjab and Haryana, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today said the Centre intends to procure less water consuming oilseeds or pulses over paddy from the two states but the final decision is yet to be taken.

"We are trying, we are talking but final decision has not been taken. We will continue to procure wheat, but as an alternate of rice, either horticulture items or oilseeds or pulses so that farmers could get more prices than they get for paddy," he told reporters. 

He said the decision will be taken after taking the state governments and farmers in confidence. "When a decision is taken, I will come here and announce," Pawar, who was here to inaugurate the CII’s Agri Tech fair, said.  

He said continuous cultivation of wheat and paddy has adversely affected the ground water level and there is a need to bring gradual change in cropping pattern while ensuring farmers get remunerative prices.

Punjab produces about 165 lakh tonne of paddy and contributes 40 per cent of the produce in the central pool. While, Haryana which has an output of around 55 lakh tonne gives 50 per cent of the rice production in the kitty. 

Agriculture experts said farmers could earn more by shifting to oilseeds, pulses and horticulture. Paddy was introduced in mid 1970s in Punjab and Haryana.

Farm experts said ground water level in the two northern states has gone down to 100-120 feet from 50-60 feet three decades ago. 

Paddy crop requires 20-22 round of irrigation, while oilseeds and pulses can be grown by watering them only 3-4 times. Paddy crop needs about 3,000 litres of water for producing one kg of rice.

On the other hand, pulses and oilseeds could require only 150-200 litres of water, Economist with Punjab State Farmer Commission P S Rangi informed.

When asked, why the Food Corporation of India (FCI) does not directly pay to farmers for the food grain procurements in Punjab, Pawar said steps have been taken in this direction and has been implemented in other states. 

As far as Punjab is concerned, farmers are not getting direct payment, as certain groups have objected to it, he said adding, the state has been given an additional one year to implement the scheme.