Punjab with total geographical area of 50.36 lacs hectares has 42.68 lacs hectares ie almost 85% area under cultivation of which 97% area is under irrigation  Agriculture in Punjab is highly intensive in terms of land, capital, energy, nutrients, agriculture inputs & water etc. The soil and water in the state are under tremendous stress, soil is facing severe degradation because of many reasons, which includes soils erosion, salt affected soil, over use of chemicals etc. Similarly water quality and quantity is on decline. 80% of the total blocks of state are now under over exploited category. Department of Soil & Water Conservation through its various centre/state programmes is serving the state since 1969  for conservation of soil and water resources