Punjab to Ban PUSA-44 Paddy Variety

October 6, 2023

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann recently announced the ban on the cultivation of the PUSA-44 paddy variety in the state, effective from the next year. PUSA-44 was once popular among Punjab’s farmers due to its high yield, covering a significant portion of the paddy cultivation area. However, the state government has decided to prohibit its cultivation.

The Rise of PUSA-44

PUSA-44 was developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1993 and initially gained popularity in Punjab during the late 1990s.
Farmers were drawn to PUSA-44 due to its remarkable yield, and its cultivation area expanded rapidly, eventually covering around 70 to 80% of Punjab’s paddy cultivation area.

Government’s Discouragement

The Agriculture Department and Punjab Agricultural University have began discouraging its cultivation.
In 2018, the Punjab government reduced the area under PUSA-44 to 18%, but it rebounded to 22% in the following year.
In the last agricultural year, approximately 7.74 lakh hectares (19.12 lakh acres) of paddy in Punjab were PUSA-44, out of a total non-Basmati paddy area of 26.61 lakh hectares.

Yield and Income Gains

Farmers have reported that PUSA-44 yields significantly higher than other paddy varieties, with potential yields of 36 to 40 quintals per acre compared to the average of 28 to 30 quintals per acre.
This increased yield could potentially add Rs 15,000 to 22,000 per acre to a farmer’s income, given the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy.

Reasons for the Ban

PUSA-44 has an extended maturity period, requiring about 160 days to mature, which is approximately 35 to 40 days longer than other paddy varieties.
This extended cultivation period necessitates 5-6 additional cycles of irrigation, which exacerbates the issue of groundwater depletion in Punjab.
The state has been grappling with a severe decline in groundwater levels, leading to concerns about water scarcity.
Additionally, PUSA-44’s late harvest coincides with the ideal time for wheat sowing. Farmers have a limited window to manage stubble disposal between the two crops, often resorting to stubble burning due to time constraints.
PUSA-44 generates approximately 2% more stubble than shorter-duration paddy varieties, contributing significantly to the problem of stubble burning in Punjab.
The burning of stubble from PUSA-44 in various districts of Punjab has been a major environmental concern, leading to high levels of air pollution during the winter months.

Implications

The ban on PUSA-44 aims to address the challenges of groundwater depletion, stubble burning, and the unsustainable use of water resources.
While the ban may promote sustainable farming practices, it could pose challenges for farmers who have relied on PUSA-44 for its high yield and income potential.
The transition to alternative paddy varieties and more sustainable agricultural practices will be essential to mitigate the impact of the ban and promote environmental conservation.

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