Crop Cultivation Strategies in Punjab, India: A Focus on Fatehgarh Sahib Rupnagar District

Abstract

The study is about a comparative analysis of agronomic practices by farmers at a grassroot level. The study aims to understand and improve agricultural sustainability and productivity by examining crop cultivation and soil and water management methods as well as challenges and opportunities in local farming. The study was carried out under RAWE programme and conducted by University Institute of Agriculture Science (UIAS), Chandigharh University Mohali, Punjab, between August 2023 and September 2023. The research focused more on the practices followed by the respondents of Fatehgarh Sahib and Rupnagar in the Punjab district. The survey data is collected from six villages namely hhoti Mandauli, Rattangarh, Ramgarh Manda, Bhadwali, Bhateri and Bari Mandauli. The main crops cultivated in those areas were paddy (100%), wheat (98.46%), maize (29.23%) and sugarcane (30%). The source of irrigation is a tube well and the source of seed is mainly from input dealers. Almost all farmers are not using the recommended dose of fertilizer and urea (100%) is excessively applied in the field. Echinochloa crus-galli is the major concern of the farmers; almost 100% during the kharif season in paddy. Phalaris minor is the major problem of all the respondents at 100 % in rabi season. The chemical method is used by farmers to control weeds. The average approximate yields for paddy, wheat and sugarcane were 74.92, 53.66 and 296.6 quintals per hectare respectively. In post-harvest management, the majority of the farmers sell their produce and keep a few quintals for self-consumption. After having interaction with farmers their agronomic practices management was sustainable and productive. This research has contributed to the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly farming techniques to enhance the livelihood of farmers and promote sustainable agriculture in the districts.