Indian farmers are being persuaded by the government to convert 5-10 per cent of paddy cultivation to agroforestry, horticulture and other crops such as maize and pulses.

Business standard reports on how the National Mission on Crop Diversification aims to encourage farmers in the traditional paddy growing areas of Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh to shift to alternative and lucrative crops.

The shift is being suggested in order to address a falling water table and high use of fertilisers and other chemicals. The government says it may introduce special incentives or provide seeds to farmers who adopt alternative crops.

Read the full story: Govt aims to switch 5-10% paddy area to other crops in 3 states