Aligning Economic Growth with Environmental Sustainability: A Framework for Optimal Crop Planning in Punjab Agriculture: 24157
Price: ₹ 1000
https://doi.org/10.35716/IJED-24157
Author: Bashir Ahmad Esar* and Jatinder Sachdeva
Author Address: Department of Economics and Sociology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004 (India)
Abstract
This study aimed to develop optimal crop plans considering
increased output prices (10–50 per cent) and restricted water usage (90 per
cent of current levels). A linear programming model was built using data collected
under the comprehensive scheme to study the cost of cultivation of principal
crops in Punjab. The analysis revealed that potatoes, among 14 other crops,
were the most profitable crop, with existing returns of ?28.8 thousand and a
competitive output price rise of ?77 thousand/ha, followed by cotton, maize,
etc. with adopted optimal crop plans will increase returns (0.93–1.64 per
cent), reduce paddy area, and increase area under basmati rice, cotton, moong,
barley, sunflower, peas, and rapeseed and mustard. These plans would also
achieve water savings (10 per cent), utilize more underutilized human labour,
and potentially reduce chemical fertilizer use and cultivation costs.
Keywords: Agriculture, optimal plan, price,
returns, sustainability, water.
JEL Codes: O13, Q15, Q25, Q55
Description
Indian Journal of Economics and Development
Volume 21 No. 2, June 2025, 000-000
https://doi.org/10.35716/IJED-24157
Impact Factor: 0.3 (Web of Science)
NAAS Score: 6.30 (2025)
Indexed in Scopus (SJR = 0.13)
Resurchify Impact Score: 0.23
UGC Approved (UGC Care List Group II)
Index Copernicus (ICV 2023: 105.09)