Maize sown in 900 ha, target was 1500 ha

The Agriculture Department’s target of bringing 1,500 hectare under the kharif maize cultivation in the district is yet to be achieved.

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According to preliminary official figures, around 900 hectare has been brought under the crop so far — falling short by nearly 600 hectare.

However, these figures are tentative and will be confirmed only after a comprehensive field survey. “The exact picture will emerge once we complete the ground verification,” said an official.

One of the reasons for the slow progress is the concurrent onset of the paddy sowing season, which dominates the agricultural landscape of Punjab. Paddy, despite being water-intensive, remains the preferred choice for many farmers. Department officials want to bring down the area under paddy.

It is now difficult, but the officials remain optimistic. “The next 10 to 15 days are crucial. Kharif maize is increasingly being used for silage, and many farmers may still grow," the official added.

To encourage this shift, the government has announced the financial incentive of ₹17,500 per hectare for farmers opting for kharif maize. The incentive is part of a broader strategy to promote crop diversification and reduce reliance on paddy, which is contributing to alarming groundwater depletion in the state.

As part of the awareness drive, Kisan Mitras had been mobilised across districts. They conducted field visits and engaged with farmers directly to promote the benefits of maize cultivation, especially its lower water requirements.

“We actively reached out to farmers through awareness campaigns and personal interactions," an official said.