Discontinue sowing oldest paddy variety to check stubble burning: Centre to Punjab - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Discontinue sowing oldest paddy variety to check stubble burning: Centre to Punjab

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | By
Mar 19, 2020 11:39 PM IST

PUSA-44 is a 130-day crop, which is sown early, before the onset of monsoon leading to more consumption of ground water. It also matures late, leaving a short window for wheat sowing in the rabi season.

Chandigarh One of the oldest paddy varieties, PUSA-44, cultivated on at least 1/6 (16%) of the total area under the crop in Punjab will soon not be grown.

HT Image
HT Image

The Centre’s department of agriculture research has asked Punjab to stop cultivating the variety, grown for around 40 years, from the upcoming kharif season. The Centre has also directed state procurement agencies and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) not to procure the paddy variety after harvest. The greater quantity of biomass (stubble) that the variety produces is said to have prompted the decision at a meeting that the central department held for in-situ (at its original place, without transport) management of paddy stubble.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

PUSA-44 is a 130-day crop, which is sown early, before the onset of monsoon leading to more consumption of ground water. It also matures late, leaving a short window for wheat sowing in the rabi season.

In Punjab, 77 lakh acre is under paddy and in the 2019 season, the PUSA-44 variety was sown over 13 lakh acre. “The variety, on an average, is seven inches taller than other indigenous varieties of our university and produces 15-20% more biomass (stubble), leading to severe environment degradation, when burnt after harvest,” said Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) vice-chancellor BS Dhillon.

Dhillon added he was all for discontinuing PUSA-44, as there were better varieties such as PR-126 and PR-121 (of PAU) which mature in the much shorter time of 100-110 days.

“Farmers have a different perspective. We, as researchers, have to consider all aspects. PUSA-44 is water guzzler. What would farmers grow when there is no water left under our farms,” said Dhillon, adding that stopping stubble burning remained a challenge. Punjab agriculture secretary Kahan Singh Pannu said the government would examine the issue.

Farmers’ view

Farmers claim the variety gives a yield of 2-3 quintal per acre more than other varieties. “Farmers in a distress scenario would never like to lose yield, even if it is 2-3 quintal more,” said BS Rajewal, president, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU). “It gives a good yield, rice millers like it because of good output, low brokerage, low discolouration. All other varieties of PAU do not match it,” Rajewal said, claiming that the PAU had never recommended the oldest variety grown in the state. He also claimed that the variety was grown over large areas under different names and procured as well under varying names.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away!- Login Now!

Get latest Updates of All City News along with Delhi News, Bengaluru News, Mumbai News and Top Headlines from India
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Gurpreet Singh Nibber is an Assistant Editor with the Punjab bureau. He covers politics, agriculture, power sector, environment, Sikh religious affairs and the Punjabi diaspora.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Monday, March 11, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On