New Delhi: NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand has pushed for a definitive move in agricultural policy toward crop diversification in paddy-growing states, reports Mint.
Speaking at Mint event, Chand mentioned that the government’s policy think tank is developing a plan to identify high-value crops that could replace paddy in Punjab. This initiative aims to safeguard the environment while ensuring that farmers’ incomes remain unaffected.
The NITI Aayog member stressed the importance of crop diversification through a comprehensive policy that also emphasizes the development of related industries.
He noted that the profitability and technological conformity of rice and wheat are currently so high that no other crops come close. However, this dominance has led to challenges, especially in regions like Punjab where water resources are being depleted.
Chand highlighted maize cultivation as a promising alternative to paddy in Punjab, particularly due to its potential for bioethanol production. He also pointed out that high-value crops, such as fruits and vegetables, could serve as viable replacements for cereal crops.
As per reports, over the past six years, Tamil Nadu’s maize productivity has averaged 7.5 tonnes per hectare, higher than the national average of 3.2 tonnes per hectare. Although maize is grown on only 2% of the state’s agricultural land, Tamil Nadu accounts for 10% of the total maize production in India.
He stated, “If Punjab adopts a similar approach, investing in bioethanol and implementing supportive policies, maize could effectively replace a substantial portion of the wheat and rice cultivation.”
