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Source– This post “New rice variety can replace Pusa-44” is based on the article “Possible answer to farm fires: New rice variety can replace Pusa-44” published in “The Indian Express” on 10 November 2023.
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court in its order mentioned a “particular kind of paddy” grown mostly in Punjab, which were seen as major causes of stubble burning and the resultant pollution. The order didn’t name the variety but the reference was likely to Pusa-44.
What is Pusa-44 ?
| What is it? | It is a variety of rice. |
| Developed by | Delhi-based Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), commonly referred to as PUSA Institute. |
| Season | Sowing-Mid June Harvest – Late October |
| Growing areas | Punjab (mostly grown), Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan |
| Advantages & Disadvantages | Advantages- It is a high-yielding variety. Disadvantages 1. It is a long-duration variety that takes 155-160 days to mature leaving less window period for field preparation to sow the next crop. 2. This variety (PUSA-44) leaves standing stubble after its harvest which farmers usually burns finally resulted in pollution. |
Which is the new variety that can replace Pusa-44? And what is its significance?
Pusa-2090
1. It is the improved version of Pusa-44.
2. It is a cross between Pusa-44 and CB-501 (type of Asian rice variety that is extensively grown in East Asia)
3. Its yield is in par with Pusa-44.
4. It matures in only 120-125 days (which gives sufficient window period to clear the fields)
5. Pusa-2090 was tested at the All-India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project trials in the 2020, 2021 and 2022 season.
UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy (Agriculture)
