Farmers’ body flags shrinking non-basmati paddy land despite rise in registered farmers, calls for probe

A farmers’ body has highlighted a discrepancy in state records that shows the registered acreage for non‑basmati paddy has fallen by 4,73,088 acres, even as the number of registered farmers has climbed by 3,97,231. The figures, released on August 3, are drawn from transplantation data that the body says should be examined more closely.

The data indicate that while the total area under non‑basmati paddy shrank, the count of individuals listed as farmers grew substantially. This contrast raises questions about how land is being accounted for and whether the registration process reflects the actual agricultural landscape.

Non‑basmati paddy, a staple crop in Punjab, has long been central to the region’s farming economy. Changes in its recorded area can affect everything from food security to farmer livelihoods, making the current trend a matter of public interest.

The body has called for a formal probe into the methodology used to compile the numbers, arguing that the mismatch could be the result of land conversion, consolidation of holdings, or inconsistencies in how registration is carried out. No specific reasons have been provided, and the request for investigation underscores the need for transparency in agricultural reporting.

While the exact causes remain unclear, the situation points to a broader conversation about how agricultural data are managed in the state. Stakeholders, including farmers and officials, will likely monitor the outcome of any inquiry, as accurate reporting is essential for planning, policy making, and support programmes.

The call for a probe reflects a demand for accountability and aims to ensure that the interests of those working the land are represented fairly in official statistics.

Source: Hindustan Times