Punjab: Farmer unions also opposed early sowing of paddy

Punjab: The Punjab government’s move to extend the paddy transplantation date is not being opposed only by agriculture experts, environmental activists or agricultural economists. Several farmer unions have also often opposed it and raised concerns about the rapidly depleting groundwater level in the state. The opposition to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s move to extend the transplantation date from June 15 to June 1 comes after a petition was filed in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) today by advocate HC Arora. The petition seeks a direction to the state government against implementing this decision. The latest data (in January this year) from the Central Ground Water Board shows that 59.17 per cent of the area has seen a decline of 0-2 metres in water level. 0.08 per cent of the area has seen a decline of 2-4 metres and less than 1 per cent of the area has seen a decline of more than 4 metres. Balbir Singh Rajewal, senior leader of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, told the Tribune that groundwater depletion is a major challenge for the state’s agricultural economy. “At the current rate of groundwater depletion, which will be further aggravated by the premature transplantation of paddy, the second aquifer will dry up in a year. Various studies have reported that the lead and arsenic levels in the second aquifer are above acceptable levels, making it unsuitable for drinking or agricultural use. The consequences of the decision to advance paddy transplantation are huge. This is a short-sighted approach of the government,” he said. The Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta Dakaunda) has started telling its members not to be affected by the decision and wait at least till June 10. Union general secretary Jagmohan Singh Patiala said the government’s move will not benefit farmers. “When governments complete three years in power, they take such irrational and populist decisions without realising how much it will cost the farmers and the agricultural economy of the state in the future,” he said. SKM (non-political) leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said the need of the hour is to formulate a policy for agriculture diversification to wean farmers away from water-guzzling paddy crop.