Paddy not suitable for Punjab, says expert

Punjab Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Kirpal Singh Aulakh has said the productivity of rice and wheat, having reached a plateau during the past few years, has given a serious blow to agriculture in Punjab.

The rising cost of cultivation has greatly lowered the profits of farmers.

"Paddy is not a suitable crop for Punjab, because it has adversely affected our water resources," he said.

"We must diversify to other crops that save on water and at the same time give more income to farmers," he said, addressing officers of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) during their two-day business meet that began at PAU today.

The meet has been arranged to make the district development officers of Nabard aware of the latest technology developed by the university.