Current Science

Abdul Nasir ¹, M. S. Toor ¹, Kamal Vatta ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Economics and Sociology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141 004, IN

Abstract

The present study makes an attempt to develop a composite index to measure sustainability of food systems. By assuming three components of food systems, namely availability, access and utilization, the data were utilized on 19 indicators pertaining to these components over the period 1970-71 to 2009-10. The values of overall index showed a marked and continuous improvement in the sustainability of food systems in Punjab. Still about one-third of the districts showed the potential for improving the availability component and the access to food could be improved in one-fifth of the districts of the state. While the availability can be improved by reducing the yield gaps, generation of additional employment opportunities can help in increasing access to food through enhanced incomes. Improvement in literacy and health services will also improve the utilization of food.

Keywords

Access and Utilization, Agriculture, Availability, Food Systems, Sustainability Index.

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Satvir Kaur ¹, Kamal Vatta ²

Affiliations
1 Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab 141 004, IN
2 Centers for International Projects Trust, K-37, Lower Ground Floor, Green Park Main, New Delhi 110 016, IN

Abstract

Based on primary data collected from 105 farming households spread across three districts and nine villages of central Punjab, this study examines groundwater depletion and consequent shifts of the farmers from centrifugal to submersible pumps. It also documents adaptation strategies of farmers in response to groundwater depletion. Owing to groundwater depletion, borewell deepening started in the 1980s and was witnessed on almost all the farms by the mid-1990s. The shift from centrifugal to submersible motors followed the S-shaped curve, which was usually observed in the adoption process of new technologies and practices. There was increase in investments on shifting to submersible pumps and the small farmers also opted for sharing of motors in order to reduce the burden of increasing investments. There were also some shifts towards alternative crops in the kharif season on small farms in response to declining access to irrigation water due to groundwater depletion in central Punjab. Some farmers were also resorting to water saving practices such as laser levelling and direct seeding of rice. Promotion of water saving technologies and practices may reduce groundwater depletion and improve access of the small holders to water.

Keywords

Adaptations, Centrifugal and Submersible Pumps, Groundwater Depletion, Irrigation.

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Shruti Bhogal ¹, Kamal Vatta ²

Affiliations
1 Centers for International Projects Trust, New Delhi 110 017, IN
2 Department of Economics and Sociology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141 004, IN

Abstract

The disquieting water crisis in Punjab – the food bowl of India – is threatening its agricultural sustainability, necessitating effectuation of pragmatic policy measures. Conventional agricultural practices, especially the paddy–wheat (highly water-intensive crops) cropping system, are fuelling the growing water challenges. Large-scale crop diversification is being recommended by experts for the past four decades as one of the most potent solutions for attaining water and agricultural sustainability. Despite its merits, crop diversification in the state could not bear fruits and remains almost inconclusive. The present article collates empirical studies to ascertain handicaps associated with crop diversification in Punjab for framing an indefectible crop diversification policy. Such a policy cannot be implemented in isolation but requires multifaceted policy action with the Government playing a key role.

Keywords

Agricultural Sustainability, Crop Diversification, Paddy, Policy Measures, Water Crisis.

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Kashish Arora ¹, Sunny Kumar ¹, Pradipkumar Adhale ¹, Priya Brata Bhoi ¹, Kamal Vatta ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Economics and Sociology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141 004, IN

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected dairy farmers with the demand shrinking due to income losses of the consumers, disruptions in the supply chains reducing supply, raising costs and increasing wastage. The present study examined such disruptions in Punjab, India, with the primary survey covering dairy farmers, intermediaries, consumers and other stakeholders in the dairy industry. The results reveal a significant fall in farmgate milk prices, disruption in transporting milk within the supply chains, labour shortages, rise in production costs and lack of operating capital. The demand for milk and milk products declined sharply during the pandemic. To dispose of the excess milk supply, dairy farmers turned to localized value chains catering directly to consumer households. Approximately half of the farmers lost almost one-third of their income from processed milk products like ghee and butter. The dairy farmers agreed to strengthen the dairy value chains through better integration of the stakeholders. The inability of the farmers to quickly shift to digital platforms for sales of milk and milk products during the pandemic calls for special capacity-building efforts.

Keywords

COVID-19 Pandemic, Dairy Sector, Digital Platforms, Disruptions, Value Chain Management.

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