CHANDIGARH, December 23: –
Celebrating the success of Kharif Maize Pilot Project, the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, today felicitated progressive maize growers, who switched from water guzzling paddy crop to Maize cultivation.
Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian handed over appreciation certificates to maize growers and encouraged them to sensitise other farmers to adopt this crop.
He said that the Kharif Maize Pilot Project, aimed at promoting crop diversification, curbing groundwater depletion, improving soil health and boosting farmer income, has shown positive results. The government is mulling the expansion of the program for the next season, encouraging more farmers to shift from water-intensive paddy to maize cultivation.
While nothing that maize cultivation offers a sustainable alternative, requiring far less water and fewer irrigation cycles than paddy, He shared that the expansion strategy is being drawn up in consultation with Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and industry stakeholders, aiming to position Punjab as a national leader in maize production.
The Agriculture Minister said that this pilot targeted districts of Bathinda, Sangrur, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala and Pathankot to scientifically demonstrate maize as a profitable and sustainable alternative of paddy. Over 3,708 progressive farmers participated in the pilot and successfully brought 11,326 acres under maize cultivation.
The initiative marks a strategic move to reverse a decades-long trend. Once a maize heartland with over 5.5 lakh hectares under cultivation in the 1970s, Punjab saw its maize area shrink to about one lakh hectares due to the rising dominance of water-intensive paddy, he added.
Hailing the progressive farmers as architects of change, S. Khudian said that. “Today, we are not just celebrating a successful harvest. We are sowing the seed of a new, sustainable Punjab. Our farmers have proven that with the right support, we can secure our precious water, soil and economic prosperity. Their courage is the foundation upon which we will rebuild a diversified agricultural economy.”
S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian informed that the Kharif Maize Pilot Project is supported by a robust five-pillar system. This includes on-ground handholding by 200 trained “Kisan Mitras” who provide continuous agronomic support, direct financial incentives of Rs 17,500 per hectare to offset transition costs and a mechanisation subsidy of 50% on advanced machinery like pneumatic planters. Additionally, PAU experts offer scientific backing with end-to-end technical guidance, while market assurance was provided via MARKFED ensuring remunerative prices for farmers.
The Agriculture Minister also interacted with maize growers to listen their experience and difficulties they faced. Sansar Singh and Gurpal Singh, maize farmers from Pathankot district, shared their success story. They achieved record yields of 25-26 quintals per acre and sold their crop at Rs2,700 per quintal, exceeding the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 2,400/quintal.
Secretary Agriculture Mr. Arshdeep Singh Thind said, “The pilot has given us a proven blueprint. Our goal is now to empower thousands more farmers with this opportunity, ensuring Punjab’s agriculture is productive, prosperous, and preserved for future generations.”
Secretary Punjab Mandi Board Mr. Ramvir, Vice Chancellor PAU Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, PDC member Mr. Showkat Roy, Director Agriculture Mr. Jaswant Singh and other senior officials of the Agriculture department, Punjab Agro, Markfed and Punseed were also present in the meeting.
