Pb bans Pusa-44 paddy variety cultivation, sale

By Bharat Khanna

The Punjab agriculture department has officially banned the cultivation and sale of the Pusa-44 paddy variety through a notification.

This long-duration variety is known for its high water consumption and substantial stubble production post-harvest. Punjab agriculture director Jaswant Singh said that the ban currently applies only to the Pusa-44 variety, which covers a larger area in Punjab compared to other long-duration varieties like Peeli Pusa and Pusa Dogar.

He mentioned that a decision to ban these water-guzzling varieties may be taken in the future. CM Bhagwant Mann had previously urged farmers to opt for PR 126, 127 and 131 paddy varieties, as recommended by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, instead of Pusa-44.

As per the notification, Pusa-44 is a water-guzzling, long-durational variety and also susceptible to diseases, leading to increased expenditure on insecticides and pesticides. However, the department is yet to decide on banning other long-duration varieties.

This article has been republished from The Times of India.