Amid groundwater crisis, Punjab bans water-guzzling Pusa-44 paddy variety
The state Agriculture Department has issued instructions to strictly implement the prohibition on the sale of Pusa-44, also known as Peele Pusa, a long-duration water-guzzler paddy variety, during the upcoming kharif season. This move comes amid speculation that advancing the date of paddy sowing to June 1 may encourage sowing of long-duration paddy varieties.
The government’s recent decision to advance the date of sowing of paddy had caused quite an uproar. Experts termed it a devastating move in the wake of declining water table in the state. According to the latest report by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), the last drop of usable groundwater in Punjab would finish in just 14 years.
Acting on the recommendations of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, the Agriculture Department has banned both Pusa-44 and unauthorised hybrid seed varieties of paddy. It has emphasised the promotion of certified, short-duration and water-efficient alternatives such as PR 126.
Chief Agriculture Officer of Patiala, Dr Jaswinder Singh, said that strict instructions have been issued following directives of Jaswant Singh, Director Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. “Pusa-44 not only requires around 160 days to mature but also consumes significantly more irrigation cycles. It is highly susceptible to blight and sap-sucking pests, and the burning of its straw leads to serious environmental damage,” said Dr Singh.
PAU VC Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, highlighted that the Pusa-44 variety remains prevalent in southern districts of Punjab’s Malwa region, including Sangrur, Mansa and Bathinda.
“Some private seed breeders in neighbouring states continue to cultivate and sell this variety at a premium, enticing farmers despite the known drawbacks,” he said, reiterating PAU’s advisory to use only university-recommended paddy seeds.
Concerns have also been raised regarding certain hybrid seeds being sold in the market at exorbitant rates. Last year, a controversial hybrid paddy marketed as an upgraded version of PR 126 created chaos in the state’s agricultural circles.
Priced at Rs 3,500 per kg — in stark contrast to the Rs 56 per kg original PR 126 — this hybrid failed to meet quality benchmarks, leading to crop rejection by procurement agencies due to high moisture and grain breakage. The result was a severe financial blow to both farmers and millers.
The Agriculture Department has initiated several steps to curb the use of banned and unauthorised seed varieties. Informational camps were held in April to educate farmers on certified seed varieties.
Punjab