The challenges faced by Punjab in diversifying its kharif crops, particularly in shifting farmers towards cotton cultivation, are quite apparent. The decline in cotton acreage over the years due to various factors like pest attacks, lack of irrigation facilities, and adverse weather conditions poses a significant hurdle for agricultural authorities.
The target set by the agriculture department to cover 2 lakh hectares under cotton for the 2024-25 kharif cycle reflects their determination to revive cotton cultivation in the region. However, the downward trend in cotton acreage in recent years, as indicated by the data, showcases the magnitude of the challenge.
Efforts to encourage farmers to adopt maize cultivation as an alternative to cotton indicate a proactive approach by the authorities to address the issue. Measures such as subsidies on seeds and banning the cultivation of certain crops in cotton-growing areas demonstrate the government's commitment to supporting farmers and mitigating risks associated with cotton farming.
The shelving of the subsidy proposal on Specialised Pheromone and Lure Application Technology (SPLAT) due to cost concerns is a setback, as it could have been instrumental in combating pink bollworm infestation and rebuilding confidence among cotton growers. However, the assurance of encouraging farmers to use SPLAT and PBKnot despite the subsidy setback reflects a continued effort to find solutions and support cotton cultivation.
Overall, while Punjab faces significant challenges in diversifying its kharif crops, the concerted efforts of the agriculture department and the government indicate a commitment to addressing these challenges and revitalizing cotton cultivation in the region.
