The draft of the Punjab’s Agriculture Policy has ignited strong criticism from opposition leaders, who argue that the proposed ban on paddy cultivation in 15 rapidly depleting groundwater blocks is a flawed and incomplete solution.

Condemning the policy, the Leader of Opposition in Punjab Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa described it as a “half-baked solution” that neglects the crucial issue of ensuring farmers’ livelihoods through guaranteed income.

The draft suggested transitioning farmers in affected blocks like Barnala, Bhagta Bhai Ka, and Jalandhar East to alternative crops such as cotton, maize, and vegetables. However, Bajwa argued that this shift cannot be successful without the assurance of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for these new crops.

“While crop diversification is essential to combat groundwater depletion, expecting farmers to adopt alternative crops without MSP guarantees is impractical and unfair,” Bajwa said, emphasizing that the state’s promises to provide MSP on various crops remain unmet, exacerbating farmers’ financial struggles.

Adding to the critique, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia dismissed the policy as “old wine in a new bottle.” He criticized the policy for failing to address crucial issues such as farmer debt, suicides, and lack of financial incentives. “This policy will not stop farmer suicides or significantly reduce groundwater depletion. It offers no real solution for rising farmer and agricultural worker debt or MSP for maize and pulses,” Majithia said.

Both leaders called for a more comprehensive and practical approach that addresses both environmental and economic concerns, urging the Punjab government to fulfill its commitments and protect the interests of the farming community.