Improving Crop Yield through Modern Agricultural Practices: A Comparative Field-Based Analysis of Wheat Productivity, Water Use Efficiency, and Profitability in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of modern agricultural practices on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity, resource-use efficiency, and farm profitability using field data collected from 120 farms across Punjab, Pakistan, during the 2024–2025 growing season. A comparative experimental framework was employed, dividing farms into conventional practices (n = 60) and modern practices (n = 60) groups. Modern interventions included precision irrigation, soil testing–based fertilization, and improved seed varieties. The results revealed a statistically significant increase in mean wheat yield under modern practices (5.21 ± 0.43 tons/ha) compared with conventional methods (3.84 ± 0.39 tons/ha; p < 0.001). Water use efficiency improved by 27%, while nitrogen fertilizer input decreased by 18.3%, indicating substantial resource optimization without compromising productivity. Multiple regression analysis identified precision irrigation as the strongest predictor of yield improvement (β = 0.46, p < 0.01). Economic assessment further demonstrated a 42.1% increase in profitability across five growing seasons. The findings confirm that modern agricultural practices significantly enhance crop productivity, environmental sustainability, and long-term economic returns, supporting their adoption for sustainable wheat farming in semi-arid regions.