The deficient rainfall in irrigation-rich Punjab has not affected the area under paddy cultivation. Though some of the state's districts have reported more than 50 per cent rainfall deficit, officials say sowing has been done in 27.15 lakh hectares (as on August 10) against the target of 26 lakh hectares. However, they admit that the deficit in rainfall will increase the input cost of farmers.
Says B S Sidhu, the state government's Director, Agriculture: "In seven districts of the state – Ferozepur, Amritsar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Muktsar, Tarn Taran, Mansa and Patiala — the deficit is more than 50 per cent. Although the area under paddy cultivation has gone up against the designated area, the deficient rainfall will increase the input cost."
Only about 25 per cent area under paddy cultivation in the state is fed by the canal irrigation system; the rest is dependent on tubewells. The state has more than 1.2 million tubewell connections. As electricity cuts are rampant in the state, farmers have to rely on diesel to run their tubewells. This will result in higher input costs.
According to officials, the area under basmati cultivation is likely to increase by 50,000 hectares this season, as compared to the corresponding period last year. This year, the total area under basmati cultivation is likely to touch 3.5 lakh hectares, as compared to 3 lakh hectares last year.
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