Should Punjab quit rice farming? Agri scientist Lather explains

In an exclusive interview with The Federal, Virender Lather, former Principal Scientist at IARI, talks about Punjab’s contentious rice policy. Amidst environmental concerns and policy pressures to diversify, Lather argues that direct-seeded rice (DSR) is a sustainable path forward for Punjab’s farmers.

Why do you believe Punjab should continue growing rice despite groundwater concerns?

We need to remember that Punjab and Haryana historically grew DSR (direct-seeded rice) varieties before the Green Revolution. It was policy decisions that introduced water-intensive transplanted rice. Now, those same policymakers want farmers to shift away from rice, but for Punjab and Haryana, rice is still the most economical and sustainable crop.

Isn’t rice profitable mainly because of government subsidies and MSP?

If the country prioritises national food security, then these supports are necessary. Punjab and Haryana contribute around 80% to the central food pool. If we withdraw support, farmers might diversify—but what happens to India’s food security?

Was Punjab cultivating rice even before the Green Revolution?

Yes, in waterlogged areas. Other crops weren’t viable because of waterlogging during the rainy season. Crops like maize were limited to hilly zones. So, suggesting maize or others as substitutes is not ecologically feasible in these regions.

So you disagree with experts recommending maize for crop diversification?

Absolutely. DSR is the sustainable answer, not crop substitution. Policymakers earlier promoted transplanted rice over DSR. Now, we must revert to DSR with government support.

What about weed control in DSR, which is considered a major challenge?

Farmers historically managed weeds using climatic factors—not herbicides. We should promote Tar-Wattar sowing (full-moisture soil) between May 20 and June 5 to suppress weeds naturally, without chemical use.

But what about herbicide-tolerant rice like those using Imazethapyr?

Imazethapyr is effective for pulses, not for DSR weeds. Farmers haven’t accepted the HT varieties because they don’t solve the real problem.

Does genetically edited rice offer promise for Punjab’s agriculture?

Not yet. These varieties are still lab-based and haven’t been tested in the field. Claims made without field trials are premature.

Can DSR help with managing paddy straw and reduce stubble burning?

Yes. Punjab produces around 30 million tons of paddy straw. The best way to manage this within the short sowing window is in-situ crop residue management using SMS-fitted combine harvesters and mouldboard ploughing.

What about converting straw into biogas as NITI Aayog’s Ramesh Chand suggests?

That suits the industry, not the farmer. Farmers can’t manage 30 million tonnes in just 20 days. In-situ decomposition is more practical and beneficial for soil health.

Can mustard replace wheat in Punjab and Haryana?

Yes, technically and economically. But unlike wheat, mustard lacks assured MSP and marketing channels. If legal MSP is implemented, farmers would also grow chickpea, which is equally viable.

So a guaranteed income would encourage farmers to diversify?

Absolutely. If the government provides income assurance like with wheat, farmers will gladly shift to mustard or chickpea.

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