Environmental Cost of Agriculture Development Model in Punjab

Abstract

In this paper an attempt is made to examine the environmental cost in Punjab resulting due to mid sixties model of agricultural development. Besides the environmental cost, the study also focus on the ecological, economic as well as health cost. Although, Punjab has made a tremendous increase in foodgrain production due to the adoption of this model but it has made a severe impact on the environment i.e., ground water depletion in all the regions except south western part, decline in soil fertility, green house emission, deteriorating quality of water and effect on species. Moreover, Punjab region is a victim of increasing cancer patients due to excessive use of chemicals in agriculture. The study suggested that proper attention should be given to this problem and breakthrough is needed from wheat-paddy cycle to high values crops of pulses, oilseeds, sugarcane, sunflower, onion, cotton, basmati rice, fruits and vegetables.