What are the major challenges faced by farmers in Punjab

The farmers in Punjab face several major challenges, which have prompted them to take up protests and demonstrations like the recent 'rail roko' movement. These challenges include: 1. Depletion of groundwater: Punjab heavily relies on groundwater for irrigation, leading to excessive exploitation and falling water tables. This has resulted in increased costs for farmers who have to dig deeper wells and install motor pumps. 2. Fertilizer and pesticide dependency: Farmers in Punjab heavily use chemical fertilizers and pesticides, leading to environmental degradation and health issues. The costs of these inputs have also risen, further burdening the farmers. 3. Declining profitability: Due to rising input costs and the lack of a fair price for their produce, farmers in Punjab have been experiencing declining profitability. They often face difficulties in recovering their costs and making a decent income. 4. Stagnant agricultural practices: The traditional farming practices often followed in Punjab have not been able to keep pace with the changing agricultural scenario. There is a need for adopting sustainable and diversified farming techniques to increase productivity and income. 5. Lack of proper infrastructure and storage facilities: Inadequate storage and warehousing facilities lead to post-harvest losses for the farmers. The absence of quality infrastructure and the weak supply chain often result in significant waste of agricultural produce. 6. Inadequate government support: Farmers in Punjab often feel neglected due to insufficient government support, including the lack of timely subsidies, agricultural loans, and access to markets. They are also demanding better compensation for crop damage due to natural calamities. Addressing these challenges would require a comprehensive approach that includes sustainable farming practices, effective water management, investment in rural infrastructure, and better government policies to ensure fair prices and support for the farming community.