The Supreme Court on Tuesday said the Centre should “seriously consider” the Punjab government’s suggestion to phase out paddy cultivation in the State and incentivize farmers to switch over to traditional crops such as millets by giving them minimum support price (MSP) in order to check rampant burning of paddy stubble and to revive a drastically low water table in the State.
A Bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia said the Punjab cannot go from granary to a virtual desert.
“Punjab is seeing a scenario where the growth of paddy is causing the water table to decline drastically. A number of wells have gone beyond redemption. Paddy is not even consumed in Punjab. It is his (Advocate-General of Punjab) suggestion, that we believe correctly so, that paddy cultivation must be phased out and substituted with other crops. The Centre should explore the aspect of giving MSP for alternative crops,” the Supreme Court said in its order.
Objectives and Significance
The primary objective behind phasing out paddy cultivation in Punjab and incentivizing farmers to switch to traditional crops is to address the issue of rampant burning of paddy stubble and revive the drastically low water table in the State. The significance of this move lies in the long-term sustainability of agricultural practices in Punjab, as well as the mitigation of air pollution caused by stubble burning.
Effects of Stubble Burning
The growth of paddy in Punjab has led to a drastic decline in the water table. Additionally, the burning of paddy stubble contributes to air pollution, impacting the health of residents in Punjab and neighboring states. The burning of stubble also affects soil fertility and overall environmental sustainability.
Pros and Cons
The proposed shift from paddy cultivation to traditional crops presents several benefits, including the revival of the water table, reduced air pollution, and sustainable agricultural practices. However, the transition may pose economic challenges for farmers, and the initial implementation of these changes may require significant support and resources.
Fun Fact
Paddy cultivation was brought into Punjab under the Food Security Act for use in the public distribution scheme, with incentives provided to farmers. However, this has led to the decline in the water table and increased stubble burning, prompting the need for a shift to alternative crops.
Mutiple Choice Questions
1. What is the main issue addressed by the Supreme Court in the given information?
a) Rampant burning of paddy stubble in Punjab
b) Declining water table in Punjab
c) Incentivising farmers to switch over to traditional crops
d) All of the above
Correct Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: The Supreme Court is concerned about the rampant burning of paddy stubble, declining water table, and incentivizing farmers to switch to traditional crops such as millets in Punjab.
2. According to the Punjab Advocate-General, why should paddy cultivation be phased out in Punjab?
a) Paddy was brought in by the Centre under the Food Security Act for use in the public distribution scheme
b) Paddy cultivation leads to a drastic decline in the water table
c) Paddy is not consumed in Punjab
d) All of the above
Correct Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: The Punjab Advocate-General mentioned that paddy was brought in by the Centre under the Food Security Act, and now the water table has drastically declined, and paddy is not even consumed in Punjab.
3. What solution did Punjab’s Advocate-General suggest to address the issue of paddy stubble burning?
a) Phasing out MSP on paddy in Punjab
b) Shifting farmers to other crops like millet and bajra
c) Providing MSP on alternative crops to incentivize farmers
d) All of the above
Correct Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: The Punjab Advocate-General suggested banning MSP on paddy from Punjab, shifting farmers to other crops like millet and bajra, and providing MSP on alternative crops to incentivize farmers.
4. According to the given information, why do Punjab’s marginal farmers find it difficult to use technology to clear stubble?
a) The machines are not available through Central funds
b) Machines are too expensive even after a 50% subsidy
c) Lack of training to use the machines
d) All of the above
Correct Answer: b) Machines are too expensive even after a 50% subsidy
Explanation: Punjab’s marginal farmers find the machines on offer through Central funds too expensive even after a 50% subsidy.
5. What was the suggestion made by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to address the issue of stubble burning?
a) Using biochemicals to change the stubble to fertilizer
b) Banning paddy cultivation in Punjab
c) Providing more subsidies to Punjab farmers
d) All of the above
Correct Answer: a) Using biochemicals to change the stubble to fertilizer
Explanation: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal suggested using biochemicals to change the stubble to fertilizer as a solution to stubble burning.
Brief Summary | UPSC – IAS
The Supreme Court suggested that the Centre should consider the Punjab government’s proposal to phase out paddy cultivation and incentivize farmers to switch to traditional crops like millets to prevent extensive burning of paddy stubble and revive the State’s low water table. Paddy cultivation has led to a drastic decline in the region’s water table, making wells unusable. The court also discussed the challenges faced by farmers in adopting technology to clear stubble. Additionally, the smuggling of paddy from other States to Punjab to claim minimum support price (MSP) was noted as a concern. A suggestion to use biochemicals to convert stubble to fertilizer was also discussed.
