Green Revolution’s reliance on chemical fertilizers, pesticides contributing to Punjab's health crisis

By Bharat Dogra, Jagmohan Singh* 

Punjab was once synonymous with robust health, particularly in its rural areas, where farmers were known for their strength and vitality. However, in recent years, reports from these villages tell a different story, with rising cases of serious health issues, including cancer. What led to this decline? The answer lies largely in the erosion of good nutrition, once a hallmark of Punjabi village life.

The health of a population is closely tied to its nutrition, and Punjab's reputation as a provider of high-quality nutrition has suffered greatly. The loss of biodiversity in agriculture has led to a decrease in the variety and quality of crops, resulting in poorer nutrition. Pulses, a key source of protein, have seen a steep decline in cultivation due to the disruption of traditional farming practices by the Green Revolution. This has had a detrimental effect on both soil and human health. Although pulses are still available in the market, they are expensive, and many poorer families can no longer afford them in sufficient quantities.

Similarly, traditional Punjabi staples like makki ki roti and sarson ka saag have become less nutritious and harder to find, as the cultivation of maize and mustard has significantly decreased. The availability of homemade dairy products like ghee, butter, and lassi has also diminished, further reducing the quality of local diets.

Monoculture farming, which now dominates the region, has also led to a decline in balanced nutrition. When villages grow a wide variety of crops, it helps ensure that residents have access to a diverse and nutritious diet without relying on cash purchases. The reduction of indigenous trees and greenery in villages has compounded the problem, particularly for the poorer sections of society.

The Punjab Environment Report (2007) highlights a significant decline in the production of important crops such as pulses and oilseeds. From 1970-71 to 2005-06, the production of pulses dropped by 90%, and oilseeds by 60%. Other cereal crops like maize, bajra, barley, and jowar also saw sharp decreases, further limiting the diversity of local diets.

Nutritionists and agricultural experts have long warned of the consequences of these shifts. As noted in the development classic Food First by Frances Lappe and Joseph Collins, the combination of grains and pulses provides a more biologically effective source of protein than grains alone. With the decline of pulses in traditional diets, not only has protein intake fallen, but the balanced protein combinations that enhance nutrition have also been lost.

The Green Revolution’s reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides has also contributed to the health crisis. Overuse of agrochemicals has depleted soil health and led to contamination of crops, water, and the broader ecosystem. For example, nitrogenous fertilizers can raise nitrate levels in crops to dangerous levels, which can then be converted into carcinogenic compounds in the body. Excessive pesticide use has similarly contaminated food and water, leading to widespread health hazards, especially in areas like the Malwa cotton belt, where cancer rates have surged.

Contaminated groundwater, heavy use of pesticides, and other environmental factors have been linked to the rise in cancer

A door-to-door survey conducted by the Punjab Health Department found cancer rates in the state exceeding national and international averages, with the Malwa region being especially affected. Contaminated groundwater, heavy use of pesticides, and other environmental factors have been linked to the rise in cancer and other serious diseases in the area. This region has earned the grim moniker "Cancer Belt" due to the high incidence of the disease.

At the same time, malnutrition remains a pressing concern. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) reveals that in 2019-21, 70% of children under five in Punjab were anemic, a significant increase from 57% in 2015-16. Severe anemia among children and women also rose dramatically during this period. In urban slums like Field Ganj in Ludhiana, 74% of children were found to be stunted, 42% wasted, and 29.5% underweight.

Despite these alarming trends, public health infrastructure in Punjab remains woefully inadequate. The state’s rural and urban areas lack sufficient primary health centers, medical professionals, and basic facilities. According to a 2022-23 report from the Union Health Ministry, Punjab is severely under-resourced, with urban areas having less than half the required primary health centers and rural areas facing a 45% shortage of specialists in community health centers.

The situation is further exacerbated by a growing substance abuse problem and a rise in mental health issues. Substance abuse, particularly among the youth, has reached alarming levels, compounding the state's health challenges.

To reverse this decline, Punjab needs urgent and comprehensive reforms. Public health services must be expanded, and access to clean water and safe food must be prioritized. Reducing reliance on agrochemicals and promoting natural farming methods would not only improve environmental sustainability but also enhance public health. Additionally, addressing the needs of the poorest sections of society, including landless workers and migrant laborers, is essential for creating a healthier and more just Punjab.

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*Prof. Jagmohan Singh is the Chairman of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Centenary Foundation. Bharat Dogra is the Honorary Convener of the Campaign to Save Earth Now and the author of several books, including "Protecting Earth for Children" and "Planet in Peril"