System In Punjab Research Articles

Energy Consumption in Wheat-Rice Cropping System in Punjab

Energy consumption for crop production depends on the availability of energy sources and the capacity of the farmers. This study analyzed energy sources used by farmers for wheat and rice production and identified agricultural operations where energy consumption can be reduced so that operational costs in wheat-rice production system can be lowered. Data on energy use in wheat and rice cropping system was collected by interviewing the farmers using specially designed questionnaire. Relevant information pertaining to human labour use, sources of irrigation, number of irrigations to each crop, quantity of farm inputs, utilization of mechanical power sources and grain yield etc. were collected. The average output energy of grain, input energy, energy ratio and specific energy for wheat crop in the state of Punjab were 68347 MJ ha-1, 15644 MJ ha-1, 8.4 and 3.08 MJ kg-1, respectively. The average output energy of grain, input energy, energy ratio and specific energy for rice were 115888 MJ ha-1, 16438 MJ ha-1, 14.8 and 2.09 MJ kg-1, respectively. For wheat-rice cropping system, the average output energy of grain, input energy, energy ratio and specific energy were 184234.4 MJ ha-1, 32081.4 MJ ha-1, 11.7 and 2.48 MJ kg-1, respectively. Energy ratio (output energy to input energy ratio) of rice is higher than the wheat, indicating rice efficiently utilized energy resources to convert into output of the harvested crop. Similarly, lower specific energy (input energy to yield ratio) of rice as compared to wheat also indicates lower energy consumption to produce per unit of rice. This analysis clearly indicates that rice production is more energy efficient than wheat production in rice-wheat production system. Further, the energy ratio, specific energy and energy productivity of wheat-rice cropping system were estimated as 11.6 to 11.9, 2.44 to 2.51 MJ kg-1 and 0.40 to 0.41kg MJ-1, respectively. This study will be helpful to identify the agricultural operations and implementing suitable interventions for improving energy use efficiency.

To examine the impact of canal irrigation systems on agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods in Sikh-ruled Punjab.

An examination of the effect that canal irrigation systems have had on agricultural output and rural life in Punjab, which is dominated by the Sikhs, finds that these systems have had a transformational influence on the socio-economic landscape of the province. During the time when the Sikhs were in power, and notably during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, large canal networks were constructed. These networks considerably increased agricultural production and contributed to the expansion of the economy. Through the provision of a consistent water supply, these irrigation systems made it possible to cultivate crops throughout the whole year, which resulted in increased agricultural yields and variety. The installation of canal irrigation systems in Punjab resulted in significant alterations to the region's socioeconomic landscape. As a result of increased agricultural productivity, not only was food security assured, but excess produce was also made available for commerce, which contributed to the improvement of regional economy. Economic activities and the creation of revenue for rural populations were further strengthened as a result of the availability of water for irrigation, which encouraged the growing of cash crops like as cotton and sugarcane. The canal networks were crucial in the transformation of rural life by being responsible for the creation of job possibilities in agriculture and other related industries. Enhanced agricultural output led to an increase in population growth in canal-irrigated regions, which in turn led to the establishment of new communities and the construction of new infrastructure. This demographic transition also made it easier for market towns and trade centres to come into existence, which in turn assisted in the development of commercial activity and regional integration. During the time when the Sikhs ruled Punjab, the building of canal irrigation systems had a complex influence, including the enhancement of agricultural output, the stimulation of economic expansion, and the transformation of rural life circumstances. These improvements created the groundwork for the agricultural success and economic resilience that Punjab would experience in the decades that followed from that point on.

Assessing the Role of Conservation Strips in Enhancing Beneficial Fauna in the Wheat-Cotton Agricultural System in Punjab, Pakistan

Assessing the Role of Conservation Strips in Enhancing Beneficial Fauna in the Wheat-Cotton Agricultural System in Punjab, Pakistan

Impact of In-service Promotion linked training on Developing the Professional Competencies of Pedagogy of Subject Specialists in Punjab

This study aims to investigate the impact of in-service promotion-linked training from subject specialists BS-17 to BS-18 on the development of professional competencies in pedagogy among subject specialist teachers in Punjab, Pakistan. The questionnaire assessed the perceived impact of the training on various dimensions of pedagogical competencies, including instructional strategies, assessment techniques, classroom management, and student engagement. To explore the effectiveness of this training program in enhancing teachers' pedagogical knowledge and skills, as well as its influence on their teaching practices. The research employed a sequential explanatory design, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. Data were collected from 20 (12 male and 08 female) training participants in the quantitative phase, and a survey questionnaire was administered to a sample of subject specialist teachers who had undergone the in-service promotion-linked training program. SPSS software was used for qualitative data analysis. The study anticipates that the in-service promotion-linked training program positively impacts the development of subject specialist teachers' pedagogical competencies. Ultimately, the research aims to foster a more proficient and competent teaching workforce, which will positively influence student learning outcomes and contribute to the overall advancement of the education system in Punjab.

Food Security: A Critical Analysis of Wheat Procurement, Transportation, and Storage Challenges in Punjab, Pakistan

This research aims to analyze food insecurity in Pakistan, with a specific focus on wheat crop within the Punjab province. It investigates the key issues, their causes, and proposes potential solutions to improve the overall effectiveness and efficiency of wheat procurement, transportation, and storage systems in Punjab. The study employed a mixed-methods approach incorporating field observation, data analysis, and questionnaires administered to district food controllers regarding the smuggling of wheat crop. Wheat procurement by the Punjab government was thoroughly analyzed and an overview of the wheat value chain is presented based on interviews with key informers, site visits, and observation. A cost-benefit analysis (CBA) was conducted to evaluate the viability of implementing grain storage silos in Punjab. The project is financially viable with a payback period of 5-6 years. Moreover, a survey of field officers was carried out to determine the scope and the determinants of wheat smuggling from Punjab. The findings of this research provide valuable information to policymakers, government agencies, and stakeholders in designing effective interventions to enhance food security and to address the specific challenges faced in the wheat sector of Punjab, Pakistan.

Tillage intensity and straw retention impacts on soil organic carbon, phosphorus and biological pools in soil aggregates under rice-wheat cropping system in Punjab, north-western India

The climate smart agricultural residue management practices which entail reduced tillage and in-situ crop residue managements are considered pre-requisite for improved soil health and ecosystems’ sustainability. The adoption of rice residue management practices help reduce the risk of soil nitrogen (N) depletion, while sequestering and conserving more carbon (C) in soils due to crop residues retention as compared to the conventional tillage characterized by more intense tillage and residue removal and/or burning. We therefore, quantified the impact of tillage regimes and residue return on soil C, phosphorus (P) and biological pools in the surface (0–15 cm) soil layer under rice-wheat cropping system in north-western India. We studied the medium term (5-years) impacts of fertilizer-N application (viz. N1 =75% and N2 =100% recommended fertilizer-N) as main plot treatments, and tillage regimes viz. conventional tillage, rotavator tillage and zero tillage, rice residue removal and retention under conventional and rotavator tillage and RT vis-à-vis zero tillage with partial and complete rice residue retention for wheat as sub-plot treatments in a split-plot design. Residue retention and/or incorporation significantly (p < 0.05) increased the proportion of macro-aggregates (>0.25 mm), aggregate diameter and aggregate ratio than the conventional tillage. Zero tillage significantly increased the macro-, meso- and micro-aggregate associated C by ∼22.2%, 25.7% and 18.6%, respectively than under conventional tillage. Macro-aggregates has higher concentration of very labile (by ∼37.8% and 153.1%) and labile C (by ∼29.7% and 80.4%) than the meso-aggregates (0.25–2.0 mm) as well as micro-aggregates (<0.25 mm). The passive C pool comprised the largest proportion of total organic C (TOC) pool; the highest in macro-aggregates (∼75.7% of TOC), while the lowest in macro-aggregates (∼64.4% of TOC). Macro-aggregates has higher dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activity than the meso-and micro-aggregates; which was closely linked to soil related glomalin protein (R2 =0.798–0.828 *; p < 0.05). These results revealed that rice residue retention significantly increased the water soluble-P concentration by ∼60.1% and 57.9%, respectively in macro-aggregates compared to residual removal. The water soluble-P showed linear relationship with increased concentration of Fract. 1 in different sized aggregates (R2 =0.789–0.975). The inorganic P pool (NaHCO3-PI and NaOH-PI) increased with increasing organic P pool (NaHCO3-PO and NaOH-PO). These results suggest that reduced tillage and residue retention is highly beneficial for the overall improvement of C, P and biological pools in soils under rice-wheat cropping system.

The relational factors in managing rural water supply in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract The Punjab Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and community-based organizations (CBOs) collaboratively manage the rural water supply (RWS) system in Punjab, Pakistan since the mid-nineties. In a command-and-control administration, a collaborative approach to managing RWS is atypical. The study addresses this gap by analyzing the relational behavior as a monitoring and enforcement mechanism to ensure community compliance with government-produced institutions for managing RWS. Four focus group interviews were conducted with the CBO members and the survey of households from the same villages. Using the partial-least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM), the mediating influence of frequent communication, commitment of users, and shared meaning on community compliance with institutions was analyzed. The integrated results from the two methods imply that trained CBOs better self-organize, as they communicate frequently with the community members. It is recommended that for the sustainability of the RWS system, regular government support for CBOs underscores the success of collaborative collective action, though trained CBOs better manage RWS in weak monitoring by the government.

An inclusive approach for integrated systems: Incorporation of climate in the water-food-energy-land nexus index

Land and water resources are largely used for food production during agricultural activities. Some farm operations are energy intensive and climate is also affected due to the use of fossil energy during the farm operations. Thus, the nexus assessment without considering climate as an indicator may not provide a holistic outlook toward a secure, efficient, and sustainable use of resources. Therefore, this study aimed to incorporate climate as an indicator in the already existing water-food-energy-land nexus methodology. To implement the water-food-energy-land-climate nexus index, the wheat crop production system in Punjab, Pakistan was taken as a case study. Twelve different indicators were normalized and then aggregated to assess the value of the water-food-energy-land-climate nexus index. Higher the value represents better the sustainable production of crops and land suitability. The value of the water-food-energy-land-climate nexus index varied from 0.34 to 0.78 across Punjab indicating a wide range of sustainable wheat crop production and land suitability for wheat cultivation. The northwest region was showing a lower water-food-energy-land-climate nexus index value as compared to the south. The south and central Punjab areas are more suitable for the wheat crop as compared to the north or west. The water-food-energy-land-climate nexus index could also be used as a comprehensive tool to evaluate the performance of other crops as well. It can also help in formulating an inclusive policy for sustainable development goals — such as SDG 2 (elevate food security), 6 (enhance water security), 12 (responsible consumption and production), and 13 (climate action).

Availability and readiness of primary healthcare facilities for the management of non-communicable diseases in different districts of Punjab, Pakistan.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their effects are rising quickly. NCDs such as cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes, cancer, and chronic lung diseases cause 60% of global deaths; of which, 80% occur in developing countries. In established health systems, primary healthcare handles most of the NCD care. This is a mixed-method study conducted to analyze the health service availability and readiness toward NCDs using the SARA tool. It included 25 basic health units (BHUs) of Punjab, which were selected through random sampling. Quantitative data were collected using the SARA tools, while qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with healthcare providers working at the BHUs. There was a problem of load shedding of both electricity and water in 52% of the BHUs, which leads to the poor availability of healthcare services. Only eight (32%) out of 25 BHUs provide the diagnosis or management of NCDs. The service availability was the highest for diabetes mellitus (72%), followed by cardiovascular disease (52%) and then chronic respiratory disease (40%). No services were available for cancer at the BHU level. This study raises issues and questions about the primary healthcare system in Punjab in two areas: first, the overall performance system, and second, the readiness of basic healthcare institutions to treat NCDs. The data show that there are many persisting primary healthcare (PHC) deficiencies. The study found a major training and resource deficit (guidelines and promotional materials). Therefore, it is important to include NCD prevention and control training in district training activities. NCDs are underrecognized in primary healthcare (PHC).

Socioeconomic and Environmental Impact Assessment of Different Power-Sourced Drip Irrigation Systems in Punjab, Pakistan

This research investigated the best economically viable power source with the least environmental impact and socially acceptable for the maize crop. Maize is one of the key economic crops in Pakistan. Solar-, electric-, and diesel-powered drip irrigation systems (DIS) were considered for comparative study. We selected 45 sites of maize crop to collect the data, with an area of 1–3 ha, from three divisions. For economic viability, the benefit:cost ratio, life cycle cost, and payback period were calculated, and CO2 emissions were calculated to assess the environmental impact. The SPSS model was used for one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc and chi-squared tests to check the significance level between all power sources. It was found that the B-C of electric power, solar, and diesel drip irrigation systems was 1.65, 1.52, and 1.44, respectively. Solar, diesel, and electricity power DIS have CO2 emissions of 0.02, 0.730, and 1.106 tons/ha, respectively. The research concludes that solar power and electric power are the best sources for the environment and economically, respectively. It is recommended that solar power DIS be subsidized, which will help to lower CO2 emissions and reduce the electricity shortfall in Pakistan.

Enhancing profitability and sustainability through herbicides on weed control in wheat-greengram cropping system in Punjab, India

A field study was conducted during the two successive years of Rabi, 2020–21, 2021–22 and Kharif, 2020– 21, 2021–22 at the research farm of Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab (India) in a RBD (randomized block design) with eight weed-controlling treatments with three replications. In wheat, seed yield, straw yield, and minimum total weed population and dry weight of weed in subsequent wheat were noted with Pyroxasulfone, with at equality Pyroxasulfone as (PE), followed by HW twice (20 and 40 days after sowing), and 2,4-D sodium salt with a combination of 1 HW (60 DAS). The minimum weed population and dry weight of weeds, maximum weed control efficiency and Greengram growth characteristics, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, test weight, seed and straw yields were noted with Pendimethalin at 2 DAS (PE) and Imazethapyr at 30 DAS (PE), which was at par with Imazethapyr as (PE), followed by (fb) Pendimethalin as (PoE), and HW twice at 20 and 40 days after sowing. It can be used for extremely active weed control to increase the output of Greengram.

An Evaluation of Malaria Surveillance System in Punjab, India, 2020.

India accounted for 6% of global burden of malaria with 95% population residing in malaria endemic areas. However, Punjab is in the malaria elimination phase with annual parasite incidence (API) <1/1000 population. We evaluated malaria surveillance system in Punjab using CDC's updated guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems to provide recommendations for strengthening the existing system and to overcome the challenges in the path of malaria free Punjab. We chose two districts of Punjab, Amritsar (lowest API) and Mansa (highest API), interviewed stakeholders, and performed a retrospective desk review. We evaluated the overall usefulness of the system and assessed seven attributes at state, district, health facility, and village level during July-August 2020. In Punjab, there was progressive decline in the malaria cases from 2,955 cases in 2009 to 1,140 in 2019 and no malaria deaths since 2011. Regarding various attributes, overall score for flexibility was good (85.9%); average for simplicity (77%), acceptability (74%), data quality (74%), and timeliness (70%); and poor for representativeness (59%) and stability (57%). Malaria surveillance system was useful in analyzing the trends of morbidity and mortality and for generating data to drive policy decisions. To improve stability, representativeness, and acceptability, surveillance staff should not be engaged in supplemental work, and reports from private sector must be ensured. Supportive supervision and regular trainings should be carried out regarding reporting formats, guidelines, and timely epidemiological investigations to improve timeliness, data quality, and simplicity.

Population dynamics of Dickeya zeae in different rice and maize based cropping systems in Punjab

Population dynamics of Dickeya zeae in different rice and maize based cropping systems in Punjab

Fertilizer perspective of biochar and compost derived from biomass of Parthenium hysterophorus in the rice wheat system in Punjab, Pakistan

Parthenium hysterophorus is an invasive weed, produces a lot of non edible biomass that is hazardous to humans. This study provides an insight to its beneficial use by converting the biomass into value-added materials like compost and biochar and subsequent amendment in soil as fertilizer. The biochar was prepared in a locally fabricated charcolator while the compost was prepared in a rolling tumbler. Two-year field experiment was set up using different combinations of biochar (BC), compost (C) and commercial fertilizer (CF) in the rice-wheat cultivation system in Lahore, Pakistan to assess soil health and crops performance after characterizing the products using advanced analyses. GCMS analysis has revealed the presence of stigmasterol and campesterol (plant growth promoters) in prepared compost. Field data showed that the combined application of compost and biochar in rice and wheat fields significantly improved the characteristics of soil like SOM and CEC. Agronomic characteristics such as the number of grains per tiller, grain weight and biological yield were significantly higher in C + CF (half dose of each) and almost equal to CF in the first year. In the second year, both crops agronomic performance was considerably more evident and pronounced following the same pattern. All other agronomic features also followed the same pattern. Thus, mixed application of organic and inorganic fertilizer on recurrent basis is recommended to improve yield of wheat and rice along with soil amelioration in the rice wheat cultivation system.

Constraint Analysis of Flower Seed Production under Contract Farming System in Punjab

Constraint Analysis of Flower Seed Production under Contract Farming System in Punjab

Local Government System in Punjab: Clientelism and Failed Devolution of Power (2015-19)

Pakistan is a federal republic with three administrative tiers: national, provincial, and local. The local Government system (LGS), the third tier, is viewed as a harbinger of democracy in developing economies including Pakistan. Since coming into power in 2008, democratically elected governments agreed to devolve power from federal level to provincial level, but slow-walked the formation of local governments until 2015—after an order by the Supreme Court of Pakistan was passed to conduct the election. In Punjab, the local government laws were more centrist, and relations between the local and provincial governments were explicitly asymmetrical. Although the LGS dissolved in Punjab in 2019, this article will attempt to explore the causes of the failed devolution of power (2015-2019). By particularly focusing on the "Punjab local Government Act 2013" and “Punjab Local Government Act 2019" and failure of devolution of power, this study will investigate a range of administrative and political issues in local governance in Punjab.

Agro-ecological sustainability of farming systems in Punjab and Haryana

This paper focuses on the quantitative assessment of the ecological sustainability of agricultural production in Punjab and Haryana, the breadbasket of India. To compute the sustainability, we used indicators on (i) state of soil and its management (ii) weather, climate, and water management, and (iii) biodiversity, environment and climate change. Using data from secondary sources, a composite index of ecological sustainability and indices for three individual dimensions were computed. The indices show a moderate level of ecological sustainability in Haryana and Punjab. Biodiversity and environment were the most eroded dimensions of sustainability needing special attention. Though important for improving soil health, the traditional leguminous-crop-based cropping patterns are disappearing from these states. The residues of crops are rich repository of carbon and bacteria, and the nitrogen supplied by legume crops facilitates their decomposition and their conversion to soil-building organic matter. Both the states need to focus on policy changes regarding pricing water and power and incentivizing the adoption of microirrigation and other modern irrigation practices to improve agricultural sustainability in these aspects.

A Comparative Analysis of Religiosity among Students of University and Madrassa System in Punjab, Pakistan

The study aimed to analyze the religiosity among students of universities and the madrassas system. It also compares the religiosity of university and madrassa students. The researchers chose a mixed-method research design. The study sample selects through a multi-stage sampling technique. The study participants were 896, including 640 students (320 from universities and 320 from madrassas) and 256 teachers/heads of the departments/institutions. The study used two research instruments to collect data from respondents. To measure the level of student's religious belief (religiosity) self-developed questionnaire was employed. By semi-structured interview schedule, views of teachers and heads of institutions were composed. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, means level and Independent Samples T-Test (t-test). The study results show that both university and madrassa students maintain a high level of religiosity. Comparing students by institution displays that there were significant differences in religiosity between them. Madrassa students have a high level of religiosity, while university students are at a moderate level. The study suggests large-scale, in-depth research, including public and private universities and madrassas throughout Punjab.

Happy Seeder Technologies in Punjab State of India: Lessons Learned from Farmers

Happy seeder has emerged as a way for a sustainable production system under the present rice-wheat cropping system in Punjab. The present survey was conducted during season 2019, comprising 50 randomly selected farmers on happy rabi seeder technology in Punjab, India, to understand the status, economic benefits, ease of access and complexity of technology, recommended practices (POP) followed and reasons for the non-adoption of recommended practices. The majority of the respondents used happy seeders in their field on a rent basis. The majority of the respondents (84 percent) observed a decrease in yield and net income by adopting a happy seeder, whereas input expenditures were reduced while using a happy seeder. The survey further revealed that the majority of the respondents applied more than the recommended dose of nitrogenous fertilizers and more seed rate. Refinement needs to be done in recommendations of use of happy seeder. Necessary incentives by way of subsidy and low rent on happy seeders to increase adoption of this technology should be made available by the concerned agencies.

Sustainable water use through multiple cropping systems and precision irrigation

Water resource management is pivotal for sustainable operations, particularly in agriculture, as, for example, the sector accounts for about 70% of the global freshwater exploitation. Specifically, in countries like India, the prevalence of water-intensive cropping systems such as ‘rice – wheat’ in tandem with traditional irrigation methods such as flood irrigation has resulted in alarming water scarcity levels and marginal economic returns. Multiple cropping systems, i.e., cultivating several crops in a growing season over the same land, can offer additional revenue opportunities but would lead to further decline in the water table, currently falling by 0.54 m per year in Punjab, the ‘Breadbasket of India’. Furthermore, smallholder farmers' return-on-investment remains challenged with consequent significant financial and social stress reported. Therefore, it is necessary to generate robust evidence to inform farmers' decision-making process to adopt multiple cropping systems. Multiple cropping systems can help ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of agricultural operations, which, possibly facilitated by precision irrigation, can ultimately improve the livelihood of farmers. In this regard, this research aims to propel the sustainable transition in Indian agriculture via generating real-world evidence that evaluates the environmental and financial viability of multiple cropping systems in Punjab, enabled by subsurface drip irrigation and fertigation techniques. Specifically, yield attributes, water balance, nutrient leaching, water productivity, net returns and benefit-cost ratio are assessed for the ‘summer mungbean – maize – wheat’ system, based on primary data from two growing seasons. The study findings demonstrate that subsurface drip irrigation and fertigation techniques could lead to circa 30% savings in irrigation water due to low drainage losses. In addition, a corresponding increase in farmers' net returns can be achieved compared to the conventionally used flood irrigation method in the ‘summer mungbean – maize – wheat’ cropping system.