Thematic Area

The States of Punjab and Haryana have an agrarian economy. These States, known as the “Food Bowl of India”, contribute more than 30% (for rice and wheat) to the Central Pool. The States of Punjab and Haryana are also the leading producers of cotton as well as the front runner in dairy with highest per capita milk production, which is three times the national average. However, the States at present are facing serious distress in agrarian and rural economy. Crop monoculture, overexploitation of irrigation water, intensive use of farm chemicals and increase in cropping intensity are some of the major challenges being faced. Further, technological gaps viz. post-harvest management, value addition of industrial processing waste including fruits. vegetables, cereals, grains need to be addressed. The problems of farmers is further compounded by illegal paddy- straw burning in the fields for lack of viable option to manage paddy straw There is a need to push Second Green Revolution to boost agriculture & food processing through focused innovative technological solutions including precision farming. crop diversification, value added products, cultivation of high value crops etc, Govt. of Punjab is taking initiatives for building robust infrastructure in agriculture and food processing. 5 Mega Food Parks, more than 20.000 processing MSME units and >3000 primary Agro-Processing Societies form backbone of food processing sector of the State. Further, the State Savana In Agricultural University and State Veterinary University along with premier R&D institutions like CIPHET. NABI & CIAB, SLIET, LPU are driving research & innovation for technology platforms in this sector. To further strengthen agri & food processing sectors of Punjab, Haryana and HP, a few proposals are being submitted for seed funding by the O/PSA.