Environmental Crisis in Punjab in Context of Agriculture: Role of the State and Central Government

Abstract

Punjab holds an important position in India. The green revolution has resulted in remarkable growth rates in agricultural productivity and output in the state of Punjab. However, Punjab has to cope with the issue of declining soil health, rapidly growing micronutrient deficiencies, and alarming water table depletion as a result of the adoption of intensive technologies. In the state, the green revolution brought about a number of issues that have now come to light. The major deleterious effects have been on our environment, as a result of which the natural balance has been disrupted. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers resulted in degradation of soil health. Similarly, the overuse of pesticides is responsible for contamination of air and water bodies. Burning of paddy stubble also a serious issue in the state. The present paper examines the environmental crisis related to agriculture in the state. The role of central and state government to deal with this issue is also analysed.