A comparative study on analysing the agronomical practices of Punjab, India

Introduction

India's agricultural history goes back to the 2000 BC (Neolithic era) and is an essential characteristic of the India's historical and modern foundations. Agriculture sector serves as the backbone to Indian economy and it has also been important in building our socioeconomic structure. According to the Indian Economic Survey for 2020-21, the agricultural sector gives employment to over 42.86% of India's labour force and made for a considerable 18.2% of the nation's GDP. Although these figures demonstrate the industry's ongoing significance, in order to fully understand the subtle differences in agricultural contributions, it is important to go further into each region. India implemented major policy changes aimed at achieving food grain self-sufficiency. The first step toward increasing production was the adoption of higher yielding, disease-resistant varieties of wheat together with improved agricultural practices. Leading India's green revolution and known as the nation's breadbasket which is the state of Punjab (Anonymous 2022) [5,6] . Punjab, also referred to as the "Land of the Five Rivers", has a special place in Indian agriculture. These prosperous regions have been called the "Food Basket of the Country" and the "Granary of India." Punjab has supplied 40 percent of the country's rice and 50-70% of its wheat for the last 20 years (Wikipedia-). Additionally, it supplies around 60% of the overall food grain supply to the central pool in addition to meeting its own food grain demands. During the early years of the Green Revolution, the economy thrived. The Green Revolution helped India's economy as a whole by significantly increasing the state's agricultural output in Punjab, where it was originally implemented. Punjab produced 70% of the nation's food grains by 1970, and farmer incomes increased by more than 70%. (Sandhu et al. 2014) [7] . The study and technique of growing and utilizing plants through agriculture for food, fuel, fibre, chemicals, leisure, or land preservation is known as agronomy. Plant physiology, soil science, meteorology, and plant genetics studies are now all included in agronomy. It is the application of a number of scientific disciplines, economics, ecology, and earth science. In order to maintain the sustainability of the food chain, agricultural technology is essential. One of the best examples of how technology, regardless of size, has changed agricultural output is the Green Revolution. Among the many benefits of this revolution are higher yields, less poverty, improved food availabilig, infrastructural development, and lower food prices. (Mc Cullough et al. 2012) [4] . This research focuses on the survey that has been conducted in Rupnagar and Fatehgarh sahib Districts of Punjab, which has an interesting agricultural environment with hot summers and freezing winters due to its arid climate. The soils of the district, which range from loam to salty clay loam, are perfect for growing a wide variety of crops, including as vegetables, wheat, maize, rice, sugarcane, and Potato's. With an average of 775.6 mm of rainfall per year, the area presents both unique potential and problems for agricultural practises. The purpose of the research is to explain the complex relationship that exists in the Rupnagar and Fatehgarh sahib districts between crop productivity and agronomic practises. We hope to learn more about the common practises used by the farmers in the area and how they affect crop yields, which will be important information for the future of agriculture in the area.

Materials and Methods

The research was carried out across the region of Punjab, India, particularly in the Rupnagar and Fatehgarh sahib districts. For the purpose of this research, seven individual villages Khant, khamanon, Kajouli, Manpur, Kotli, Bari Rauni, Chhoti rauni were selected. Random sampling was used to select 60 farmers in total for interviews. seven respondents from Khant, five from khamanon, eight from Kajouli, eight from Manpur, nine from Kotli, therteen from Bari Rauni, ten from Chhoti rauni were included in this sample. Interviews were carried out as part of the research with the selected farmers to find out more about their socioeconomic status and the all year long farming practices they implement. These interviews were conducted on the fields or in the houses of the farmers. A standardized questionnaire was designed for the interviews in order to inquire about every aspect of the farming methods used by the farmers. After the respondent's data was taken, it was arranged and subjected to the proper statistical techniques, which included percentage calculations and the use of graphical displays like pie charts and bar graphs to convey the results.

Result and Discussion

Crops cultivated by farmers throughout the year

The information obtained suggests that every farmer in the research region grows wheat, and that almost all of the respondents 100' cultivate paddy crops on their farms. In addition, farmers plant sugarcane in addition to these main crops, and maize as a secondary crop. Moreover, the area is distinguished by the noteworthy production of two primary fodder crops that are unique to each season: Berseem and sorghum.

Irrigation Practices

The study focuses on rice and wheat, two major crops, in the context of irrigation systems in the selected villages. Tube wells and Flood irrigation are the main source of irrigation used in rice farming. The rice fields in the area are kept at the ideal moisture levels by the frequent and constant irrigation schedules used by the farmers. Additionally, the critical period of rice irrigation falls on the first planting, indicating the need of water management strategies at this critical point. In case of wheat cultivation, tube wells continue to be the main irrigation source. Farmers irrigate wheat four to five times during its growth cycle, paying particular attention to the developmental stage that begins to emerge between 20 and 21 days after sowing (DAS). This specific irrigation approach meets the crop's development needs and shows an extensive knowledge of water management techniques in wheat farming. Pest and disease management in Punjab is a crucial aspect of agricultural sustainability, given the state's major role in India's food grain production. The region's dependence on highyielding varieties and monoculture cropping systems has led to increased vulnerability to pests and diseases such as whitefly in cotton, stem borers in rice, and rust in wheat (PAU, 2022) [8] .

Crop Method of irrigation

Farmers have traditionally relied on chemical pesticides, resulting in resistance development, environmental contamination, and a decline in beneficial organisms (Kaur et al., 2020) [9] . Integrated Pest Management (IPM), promoted by institutions like Punjab Agricultural University, offers a holistic approach combining biological control agents, cultural practices, resistant crop varieties, and minimal pesticide use (Sharma et al., 2019) [10] . However, widespread adoption remains limited due to a lack of training, awareness, and economic incentives (Gill & Singh, 2021) [11] . Technological advancements, including remote sensing and mobile-based pest alerts, have shown potential in improving early detection and decision-making (ICAR, 2023) [12] . To address these challenges, collaborative efforts among farmers, researchers, and policymakers are essential. Promoting IPM and sustainable practices not only improves crop productivity but also protects environmental and public health.

Weed Management

Weeds are the plants that grow by their own in the field without sowing them and then these plants competes with the main crop for the sunlight, nutrients and space. The management of weeds is very much important in order to have good yield of the produce. By the survey I came to know.

Approaches of harvesting

According to data obtained, farmers generally favor using combine harvesters to harvest cereal crops, particularly wheat and paddy. The efficiency of combine harvesters, which save time and do not require a lot of physical effort, is the reason behind this choice. Notably, nearly 80% of respondents prefer combine harvesters for certain cereal crops, while just 20% prefer manual harvesting. It's essential to note that farmers clearly prefer hand harvesting when it comes to paddy agriculture, especially for types like Pusa Basmati 1847, Pusa Basmati 1718, etc. Such varieties are preferred because of their long, thin grains. Farmers choose the careful method of hand harvesting in order to preserve grain quality since they are aware that mechanized harvesting may cause harm to the grains. This knowledge of harvesting techniques shows the increasing dependence on combine harvesters for efficiency. It also emphasizes the careful consideration that goes into selecting manual harvesting for certain crops with distinctive grain properties. These kinds of things fall in with the larger idea of maximizing farming methods for preservation of quality and output.

Conclusion

Our thorough investigation of the agricultural land in Punjab's Rupnagar and Fatehgarh Sahib Districts reveals a range of farming methods, challenges, and opportunities. Examining the many aspects of this agricultural tapestry uncovers critical insights that inform our understanding of current practices and provide a foundation for predicting the region's agricultural future. The agricultural landscape in these districts is diverse. Wheat and paddy are the primary cereal crops, deeply rooted in the region's agricultural history. Alongside these, crops such as sugarcane, maize, barseem, and sorghum add to the diversity of farming practices, enhancing resilience and productivity. A significant pattern emerges from our research regarding seed treatment practices. Only 18.33% of farmers treat their own seeds, while a majority 71.66% prefer hybrid seeds for better yields. A small percentage (10%) use untreated seeds. These decisions are closely linked to the knowledge and resources available to farmers, underscoring the importance of agricultural education and accessibility. Fertilizer use reveals a concerning imbalance. Urea and DAP are heavily applied, while potassium-based fertilizers are underutilized. This imbalance indicates a pressing need for awareness campaigns and training on balanced fertilization for improved soil health and sustainability. Irrigation practices further highlight key issues. Tube wells have become the backbone of the irrigation system, especially for water-intensive wheat and rice fields. The dominant use of flood irrigation, rooted in traditional methods, raises concerns over water waste and long-term sustainability. In the context of climate change and depleting groundwater, implementing sustainable water management strategies is essential. Strategic water conservation efforts, coupled with effective regulations and community-based programs, are critical to ensuring responsible water use. Such initiatives will be vital for preserving essential natural resources and ensuring the long-term viability of agriculture in the Rupnagar and Fatehgarh Sahib Districts.

References

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