Why scientists are recommending Punjab’s farmers grow barley

In recent years, the area under barley cultivation has dramatically shrunk across India, including in Punjab. In 1960-61, barley cultivation area stood at 3.20 million hectares in India, and 66,000 hectares in Punjab. However, it came down to 0.54 million hectares and 5,000 hectares in India and Punjab respectively

Man working at a barley field in Jaipur. (Express Photo by Rohit Jain)

Recently, scientists suggested that barley should be grown in Punjab in a bid to diversify wheat-paddy monoculture in the state. Barley requires much less water to grow compared to paddy, and is healthier than wheat.

In recent years, the area under barley cultivation has dramatically shrunk across India, including in Punjab. In 1960-61, barley cultivation area stood at 3.20 million hectares in India, and 66,000 hectares in Punjab. However, it came down to 0.54 million hectares and 5,000 hectares in India and Punjab respectively.

Here is a look at why scientists are promoting barley farming.

Low water consumption, low input cost

Unlike barley, paddy and wheat require a huge amount of water to grow. Moreover, there is more input cost for growing paddy and wheat. For instance, to grow barley in one acre, a farmer would need 35 kg of seeds but for wheat would require 40 kg of seeds. Even the fertilisers required for farming paddy and wheat end up being more costly. To grow barley, 55 kg of urea and 25 kg of diammonium phosphate (DAP) are required. Whereas for wheat, almost double amounts of 110 kg urea and 55 kg DAP are recommended respectively.

Nutritional benefits

According to Prof Dr Omvir Singh, principal scientist, Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley (IIWBR), Karnal, barley has less gluten compared to wheat, which is 80% gluten and can lead to serious health issues such as cancer, kidney damage, and leaky gut syndrome.

Barley provides better nutrients than other food grains. It contains a high amount of active ingredients, such as beta-glucan (5-10%), whereas wheat contains only 1.6% and rice contains 0.82%. It also contains phytochemicals, resistant starch, lignin, ferulic acid, phytosterols, and antioxidants.

Barley also comprises insoluble fibre, vitamins, protein, and other important elements.

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Helps with diabetics

With 11.4% of the Indian population and 10% in Punjab being diabetic, barley could be a choice of grain with its glycemic index of 28 comparable to wheat. It keeps the sugar content in the blood low. In addition, beta-glucan also increases the effectiveness of insulin (an element essential for the digestion of sugar) as well as stimulates the production of another hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which produces and uses equal amounts of glucose. Beta-glucan makes a jelly-like substance in the intestine which reduces the feeling of hunger. It can also reduce the risk of obesity.

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Keeps cholesterol in check

Beta-glucan also provides a base for health-beneficial bacteria and helps in the formation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) quickly. The SCFA helps in keeping cholesterol levels in check by slowing down the production of cholesterol in the liver and intestines.

The indigestible fibres found in barley keep the gut strong and the liver healthy.

Challenges

Dr P L Garg, former Registrar of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, said more research is required to establish barley as a “superfood”.

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Ajit Balaji Joshi, Agriculture Secretary, Punjab, said as far as the Agriculture Department was concerned, Punjab needs an alternative for paddy which is responsible for decreasing the levels of underground water, harming the environment, and pollution via stubble burning.

However, barley is a rabi crop and can replace only wheat. Gurdial Singh, former Director of Agriculture, Punjab, said crores were spent on developing harvesting machines for wheat and paddy. For introducing a new crop, more investment would be required, he added.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More