BARLEY – ALTERNATIVE CROP - GEOGRAPHY

BARLEY – ALTERNATIVE CROP - GEOGRAPHY

NEWS: Scientists are promoting barley cultivation in Punjab to reduce dependence on the wheat-paddy monoculture system.

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

  • Water Efficiency:

·         Barley requires much less water compared to paddy, making it a sustainable crop in water-scarce regions like Punjab.

  • Healthier Option: Barley is considered healthier than wheat due to its lower gluten content and high nutritional value.

Shrinking Cultivation Area of Barley

  • Decline Over Time:

·         In 1960-61, barley was cultivated on 3.20 million hectares in India and 66,000 hectares in Punjab.

·         By recent years, the area has drastically reduced to 0.54 million hectares in India and just 5,000 hectares in Punjab.

Lower Input Costs Compared to Wheat and Paddy

  • Seed Requirement:

·         Barley requires 35 kg of seeds per acre, whereas wheat needs 40 kg.

  • Fertilizer Usage:

·         Barley requires 55 kg of urea and 25 kg of diammonium phosphate (DAP).

·         Wheat cultivation demands almost double: 110 kg of urea and 55 kg of DAP.

  • Cost Benefits: Barley farming is less expensive, reducing input costs for fertilizers and water, making it economically viable for farmers.

Nutritional and Health Benefits of Barley

  • Lower Gluten Content:

·         Barley contains significantly less gluten compared to wheat, which is 80% gluten.

·         High gluten intake can cause health issues like cancer, kidney damage, and leaky gut syndrome.

  • Nutritional Composition:

·         Barley is rich in beta-glucan (5-10%), while wheat and rice have much lower levels (1.6% and 0.82%, respectively).

·         It also contains:

    • Phytochemicals
    • Resistant starch
    • Lignin
    • Ferulic acid
    • Phytosterols
    • Antioxidants
    • Insoluble fibre, vitamins, and protein

Barley and Diabetes Management

  • Lower Glycemic Index: Barley has a glycemic index of 28, which helps maintain low blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for diabetics.
  • Beta-Glucan Role:

·         Enhances insulin effectiveness and stimulates the production of glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate glucose production and usage.

·         Forms a jelly-like substance in the intestine, reducing hunger and aiding in obesity prevention.

Cholesterol Management and Gut Health

  • Cholesterol Control:

·         Beta-glucan supports the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which regulate cholesterol levels by slowing its production in the liver and intestines.

  • Gut and Liver Health:

·         Barley’s indigestible fibres strengthen the gut and promote a healthy liver.

Environmental and Agricultural Challenges in Punjab

  • Need for Diversification:

·         Paddy cultivation is causing severe issues such as:

      • Depletion of underground water levels
      • Environmental damage
      • Air pollution due to stubble burning
  • Government Viewpoint:

·         Ajit Balaji Joshi, Agriculture Secretary of Punjab, emphasized the urgent need for alternatives to paddy.

Barley as a Potential “Superfood” and Research Gaps

  • Call for More Research:
    • Dr P.L. Garg, former Registrar of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, highlighted the need for further research to establish barley as a recognized “superfood.”

Conclusion: Why Barley Farming is Crucial for Punjab

  • Barley offers a sustainable alternative to wheat and paddy with:

·         Lower water requirements

·         Reduced input costs

·         Significant health benefits

  • Its promotion can address environmental concerns while providing a healthier and economically viable crop for farmers.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/punjab-barley-9729972/