Steps to revive Punjab economy

Abstract

PUNJAB has a new government led by an experienced Chief Minister who has an opportunity to turn around the ailing state suffering from high unemployment and low growth. Punjab has had a unique history. In a short time, from a semi-arid land, thanks to Green Revolution, it became the granary of the country and the richest state of India. These good times were short lived.

Historically, in the mid-1960s, India was passing through severe drought conditions, and it was a challenge to feed 50 crore people, of which nearly half were below the poverty line. Food aid, globally, was difficult and was largely used to manipulate geo-political decisions. Hence, to be truly independent, it was crucial to ensure national food security. Punjab, though short of rainfall, was considered perfect for an experiment of high-yielding variety of seeds. The Green Revolution, ably supported by canal and tube-well irrigation, and minimum support price of the government, ensured food security but changed the cropping pattern in Punjab. Read more at: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/comment/steps-to-revive-punjab-economy-387165