"International Journal of Geography, Geology and Environment"

Author(s): Talwinder Singh

Abstract: The Green Revolution (mid-1960s onward) transformed Punjab’s agriculture through high-yielding varieties (HYVs), expanded irrigation, fertilizer and mechanization. One measurable outcome was a large rise in cropping intensity (gross cropped area ÷ net sown area × 100). This paper analyses its impact on cropping intensity—defined as the number of crops grown per unit area per year—and explores spatial and temporal trends using quantitative data, diagrams, and maps. This paper shows that cropping intensity rose from roughly 126 percent in 1960-61 to about 195 percent by 2020—reflecting near-double cropping of most cultivable land. The findings indicate a marked, sustained increase in crop intensity across Punjab after the late 1960s, in all parts of the state of Punjab. Gains coincided with near‑universal irrigation, adoption of wheat and paddy HYVs, and rapid mechanization; however, they were accompanied by groundwater depletion, soil nutrient imbalance, and narrowing crop diversity.

Pages: 115-118 | Views: 144 | Downloads: 66

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