Spring Maize Cultivation in Ferozepur District: Practices and Sustainability Challenges

The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Farm Advisory Service Centre (FASC), Ferozepur, conducted a survey in the summer season of the year 2024 on spring maize cultivation in Ferozepur district, India. The survey indicated that a significant portion of farmers were educated beyond matriculation (40% farmers) and owned their land (81.1% farmers). Farmers were adopting modern agricultural practices and inputs, such as hybrid seeds and mechanized planting. Maize was well-integrated into existing cropping systems and thrives in the predominantly medium-textured soils which were 85% of the total land under survey. However, the agricultural system is heavily reliant on tubewell irrigation, raising concerns about groundwater depletion. High input costs (Rs. 17500/ha) associated with seeds, planting, fertilizers and pesticides were incurred to achieve profitable net incomes of Rs. 125000 and Rs. 130000 from both silage and grain production, respectively. Addressing the long-term sustainability of agriculture in the region necessitated a focus on water-efficient irrigation, crop diversification and improved water resource management to mitigate the risks associated with the current dependence on groundwater.