Punjab continues to lead the nation in agriculture

Punjab, Sep 08: Punjab, an agricultural state, has been rightly termed the food bowl of India. The state's fertile land has facilitated agricultural sector, making it the largest industry in the state. India is the second largest wheat and rice producer in the world with Punjab leading the states as the producer. The state is also well known for quality of Basmati in international markets. Keeping in mind the importance of agricultural sector, Punjab Agricultural University -- a premiere institute for the study of agriculture in the state that played a significant role in Punjab's Green Revolution in the 1960s–70s -- is running several courses to not only provide proper training to students but also enhance the agro sector by providing technically advanced equipments to the farmers for better crop yield. With technological advancements, several challenges in the agricultural sector have been met. Youth in the area are also enthusiastically embracing the changes. As the farming sector booms in the state, it is giving a boost to the country's economy and generating employment opportunities for several people as many professions are directly linked with farming sector. Several schemes have also been launched in the state, including projects for improving wheat crop productivity, distribution of fertilizers, use of irrigation water and utilization of nitrogenous fertilizers.