Topic
punjab
Commodities Rice-Wheat Monoculture Impacting Punjab's Soil Health, Says Study
A Punjab Agricultural University study has found that continuous rice-wheat monoculture is associated with soil degradation in Punjab. Union Minister Bhagirath Choudhary cited puddling, intensive tillage and mono-cropping as key causes, while data showed rice acreage in the state rose to 32.68 lakh hectares in 2025-26 from 29.69 lakh hectares in 2021-22.
Commodities Punjab Farmers Embrace Sustainable Rice Cultivation to Combat Groundwater Crisis
Punjab farmers are shifting to sustainable rice cultivation methods like Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) and Seeding of Rice on Beds (SRB) to address a severe groundwater crisis. The area under these methods has increased by 36% to 4 lakh acres this kharif, offering water savings of up to 60% while maintaining productivity.
Trade Punjab Basmati exporters seek assurance from Goyal on sticking to current GI area
The Punjab Rice Millers Exporters Association has sought assurance from Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal that the government will not expand the current Basmati Geographical Indication (GI) area to include Madhya Pradesh. Exporters warn that any change would harm India's exports and erode the heritage value of Basmati. The demand comes amid ongoing debates and a resolution by the All India Rice Exporters Association opposing expansion.
Commodities Crop Residue Management Programme Helps Punjab, Haryana Farmers Reduce Stubble Burning
A crop residue management (CRM) initiative supported by HDFC Bank Parivartan and introduced by the CII Foundation is helping farmers in Punjab and Haryana villages adopt sustainable practices, reducing stubble burning. The programme provides access to shared farm machinery like super seeders, leading to cost savings and improved soil health. In some villages, non-burning compliance has exceeded 90%.
Commodities Fertilizer Panic Buying Surges in Indian States Amid Global Tensions
Urea and DAP fertilizer sales have surged in Indian states like Maharashtra and Punjab due to panic buying triggered by geopolitical tensions. This has exposed vulnerabilities in India's subsidy scheme.
Business HDFC Bank's Parivartan Reduces Stubble Burning in Punjab, Haryana
HDFC Bank's Parivartan initiative has significantly reduced stubble burning across Punjab and Haryana, impacting 88% of 3,78,425 acres of farmland. The program, in partnership with CII Foundation, reached 86,000 farmers, promoting sustainable practices.