Punjab govt celebrates 3,708 farmers for maize adoption under Kharif Maize Pilot Project ; program improves income, soil health, and reduces water use.

The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, honored forward-thinking maize growers who transitioned from water-guzzling rice crops to maize production in celebration of the Kharif Maize Pilot Project success.

Gurmeet Singh Khudian, the minister of Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, gave appreciation certificates to maize farmers and urged them to spread the word about the crop’s adoption among other farmers. According to him, the Kharif Maize Pilot Project, which aims to increase farmer income, improve soil health, prevent groundwater depletion, and encourage crop diversification, has demonstrated success. In an effort to encourage more farmers to switch from water-intensive rice to maize farming, the government is considering expanding the program for the upcoming growing season.

The expansion plan is being developed in consultation with Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and industry stakeholders with the goal of making Punjab a national leader in maize production, he said, even though nothing about maize cultivation offers a sustainable alternative, requiring far less water and fewer irrigation cycles than paddy.

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According to the Agriculture Minister, this pilot project aimed to scientifically prove maize as a viable and sustainable substitute for paddy in the districts of Bathinda, Sangrur, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, and Pathankot. In the pilot, more than 3,708 forward-thinking farmers successfully planted 11,326 acres of maize.

The program is a calculated attempt to buck a pattern that has been in place for decades. In the 1970s, Punjab was a maize heartland with over 5.5 lakh hectares under cultivation; but, as water-intensive paddy became more prevalent, the region’s maize area decreased to roughly one lakh hectares, he continued.

Khudian praised the forward-thinking farmers as change agents. “We are commemorating more than just a bountiful harvest today. We are planting the seeds for a Punjab that is sustainable and modern. Our farmers have demonstrated that we can protect our priceless water, soil, and economic growth with the correct assistance. We will construct a diverse agricultural economy on the boldness they displayed.

Khudian stated that a strong five-pillar framework underpins the Kharif Maize Pilot Project. This includes a 50% mechanization subsidy on sophisticated equipment like pneumatic planters, direct cash incentives of Rs 17,500 per hectare to offset transition costs, and on-ground handholding by 200 trained “Kisan Mitras” who offer ongoing agronomic support. Furthermore, PAU specialists supplied scientific support and comprehensive technical advice, while MARKFED offered market assurance by guaranteeing farmers will receive fair pricing.

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Additionally, the Agriculture Minister spoke with maize farmers to hear about their challenges and experiences. Pathankot district maize growers Sansar Singh and Gurpal Singh talked about their achievements. They sold their crop for Rs 2,700 per quintal, more than the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 2,400 per quintal, and produced record yields of 25–26 quintals per acre.