Punjab

Gurdeep Bains is busy dealing with two sets of contractors who have arrived to net his fish. He had to refuse a third. “This is the scenario when the market is supposedly down as people tend to avoid non-vegetarian food during saavan, one of the holiest months in the traditional Hindu calendar.

We've come a long way since the Green Revolution in the 60s especially in Punjab, where it all began. Lower production due to higher costs, increased debt, lowered income and drop in employment – this is the situation here as it grapples with an agrarian crisis. 

Uttarakhand Government submits to Centre the Rs 9,478 crore Ganga Action Plan

Centre identifies 115 wetlands for conservation and management

Sardar Sarovar dam height to be raised by 17m

Water and agriculture are closely linked in our country where 60% our net sown area is rain-fed. Indian agriculture is undoubtedly dependent on the monsoon where good rains have meant enhanced agricultural production, and a weak or bad monsoon has lowered production thereby impacting the economy.

Many great civilisations have thrived near rivers with people moving in search of water across swathes of lands. The same holds true for present day Punjab, especially its farmers.

'Rabba Rabba Meeh Barsa, Saadi Kothi Daane Paa' (Make it rain God, so our homes remain filled with grains)”, is a popular song taught to children in Punjab. Not all of Punjab. In Southwest Punjab, farmers are praying for the monsoon to fail! 

In 2003, President Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam visited a small village in Hoshiarpur district of Punjab. Kharaudi had done something he thought others could emulate.

Kumbh Mela left its trash behind