CHANDIGARH: "The large number of tractors, tube wells and good life style of farmers -- the visible signs of prosperity to an onlooker -- are all deceptive," said the Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agriculture University, K.S. Aulakh, on Monday to stress the need for bringing about a drastic change in farming patterns and raising the income levels in the primary sector of the State.

According to a University release, Dr. Aulakh addressing officers of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) at their two-day Business Meet that began on the University campus on Monday observed that the plateau in the productivity of rice and wheat,

during the last few years had dealt a serious blow to agriculture in Punjab. Ever-rising costs of cultivation had further contributed in making the profession less viable, through reducing profit margins and increasing debt burden.

Dr. Aulakh said that though the country's food security was of prime importance agriculture in Punjab had to be reviewed in a new perspective, especially when it had been established that paddy was not a suitable crop for Punjab since it had affected the State's water and soil resources. He urged NABARD to invest in Research and Development and assist the evolution of new farm technologies which can increase farmers' income, through efforts that support diversification of agriculture.

NABARD Chief General Manager S.R. Aluru addressing the meeting said that Rs.921 crore had been allocated as credit investment in Punjab. The bank was keen to help the farmers in their proper credit planning. "We feel farmers should get short-term crop loan at 7 per cent interest and for this, we are negotiating with co-operatives banks. Investments from these banks will flow to help the Punjab farmers in better managing their farms and to increase their incomes," he added.

NABARD General Manager P. Ranganathan, said the bank could identify the possible areas of cooperation with the PAU and provide funds for research and development. "Since the Punjab Government has focused on diversification, we are identifying the possible areas of diversification which can help increase in farmers' income," he added.

The meeting has been arranged to create awareness among the district development officers of NABARD about the latest technology developed by the University for inducing improvement in farm practices. District development managers of NABARD from all over the State are attending the meeting.

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