Once hailed as the breadbasket of India, Punjab stood tall as a symbol of prosperity, resilience, and vibrancy. It was a state that led India’s Green Revolution in the 1960s and 70s, helping the country overcome food scarcity and establish agricultural self-sufficiency. Its people were known for their industrious nature, entrepreneurial spirit, and cultural richness. But fast forward to today, and Punjab grapples with a disturbing reality: economic stagnation, social unrest, and a decline in nearly every aspect of life.
Once Punjab’s greatest strength, agriculture has become its Achilles’ heel. The over-dependence on wheat and rice cultivation, driven by the incentives of the Green Revolution, has led to a serious depletion of groundwater resources. Today, over 80% of Punjab’s blocks are classified as “over-exploited” in terms of groundwater levels. Soil fertility has declined, and the state’s farming sector is caught in a cycle of rising costs, falling incomes, and mounting debt. Farmers, unable to make ends meet, are increasingly turning to protests and, tragically, suicides. Despite Punjab’s reputation for agricultural prowess, it has one of the highest rates of farmer suicides in northern India.
While other Indian states diversified into IT, manufacturing, and services, Punjab failed to modernize its economy. The industrial base remains weak, infrastructure is outdated, and bureaucratic inefficiencies continue to deter investment. The once-thriving small-scale industry in cities like Ludhiana has lost its competitive edge due to a lack of innovation and global competition. Youth unemployment is alarmingly high. With few opportunities and a lack of skill-based training, many young Punjabis see no future in their homeland. This has led to a massive wave of outmigration, particularly to Canada, Australia, and the UK. Villages across Punjab now have empty homes, maintained only by the remittances sent back by the diaspora.
Punjab is also reeling under the burden of a severe drug crisis. Once whispered about, it is now an open wound. Heroin, opium, and synthetic drugs have infiltrated towns and villages alike. Youth, unable to find purpose or employment, often fall prey to addiction. While successive governments have promised action, deep-rooted corruption and weak enforcement have hindered any real progress. The social fabric of Punjab is under strain — a state once known for its vibrant community life now witnesses increasing alienation, mental health crises, and family breakdowns.
Part of Punjab’s current predicament stems from decades of political mismanagement. Populist policies, short-term appeasement measures, and a lack of vision have left the state without a coherent long-term plan. Successive governments have failed to address the core issues of economic revival, education reform, and drug de-addiction with the seriousness they demand. Corruption, nepotism, and infighting have further eroded public trust. Instead of working towards a new roadmap for progress, politics in Punjab has too often devolved into blame games and vote-bank calculations.
Despite the grim reality, Punjab’s spirit is not completely extinguished. The state still boasts a resilient people, a strong diaspora network, and immense agricultural and human potential. If tapped correctly, these strengths can be channeled toward recovery. Reviving Punjab requires more than band-aid solutions. It demands bold reforms — in agriculture, education, industry, governance, and social welfare. It requires leadership that is not just political, but visionary. It calls for a collective awakening among its citizens to reclaim the lost glory of their land.Punjab has risen from worse before. The question is — will it rise again?