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Ban on PUSA-44 Paddy Variety
October 12 , 2023
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- Punjab state will ban the cultivation of the PUSA-44 paddy variety from next year onwards.
- PUSA-44 was developed in 1993 by the Delhi-based Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- By the end of 2010s, it had gained widespread popularity among farmers across the Punjab.
- It is covering approximately 70 to 80% of the area under paddy cultivation.
- However, the Agriculture Department began discouraging farmers due to declining groundwater levels.
- Farmers claim that PUSA-44 yields nearly 85 to 100 mann (34 to 40 quintals) per acre, while other varieties’ yield average is 28 to 30 quintals per acre.
- PUSA-44 is a long-duration variety, taking around 160 days to mature.
- This is around 35 to 40 days more than other varieties.
- It is also requiring 5-6 extra cycles of irrigation.
- This variety also generates approximately 2% more stubble than shorter-duration paddy varieties.
- So, it contributing significantly to the problem of stubble burning in Punjab.
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