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Optimal crop plans have been formulated for higher farm income and sustainable water use in Punjab. This was achieved by using maximizing linear programming model subjected to resource restrictions of operational land holding, human labour, working capital and crop irrigation requirements. The study highlights the dominance of paddy- wheat cropping pattern occupying 69.2% and 86.78% of the total area. Paddy and basmati paddy were found to be most water intensive crops, accounting for 70% of the total water use. The major source of agricultural irrigation in the study area was tube well supported by submersible and centrifugal pumps, reflecting high reliance and dependence on groundwater which has led to lowering of water table levels and exploitation beyond sustainable levels.
The study attempt at diversifying the existing cropping patterns with less water intensive crops by offering five optimal plans at 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% water restriction of original water usage water usage. The study shows maximum reduction in area allotted to kharif crop paddy which is called out for being the main culprit for ground water exploitation and is replace by crop such as basmati rice, cotton, maize, pulses and vegetables. The final tradeoff between water reduction plans and income revel that initially the income declines by 1% and 4% but with increase in the level of water restriction the income declines by 8% and 12%. The study highlights the need for minimum support price for less water intensive crop along with developing market infrastructure to reduce risk associated with the cultivation for crop such as pulses and vegetables for a successful diversion towards sustainable cropping pattern in Punjab.
Key words: cropping plans, paddy-wheat, groundwater, linear programming, and sustainability.
