Source: This post PUSA – 44 Rice variety is created based on the article, A rice variety that can address farm fires in Punjab and Haryana, published in Indian Express on 30the Sep 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: Economy or Agriculture
What is the news?
The famous Pusa-44 paddy variety is famous in Panjab; however, it is causing many environmental issues.
What is PUSA – 44 Rice variety?
Pusa-44 is a high-yielding variety of paddy.
Developed by: Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi.
Released Year: It was released for large-scale cultivation in 1993, this variety has become a popular choice among farmers, particularly in the Punjab region.
Key Characteristics
- Growth Duration: Pusa-44 takes approximately 155-160 daysfrom sowing to harvesting.
- Yield Potential: It boasts an impressive yield of 35-36 quintals per acre, with some farmers reporting yields as high as 40 quintals. This is significantly higher than its nearest competitor, PR-126, which yields about 30-32 quintalsbut matures in a shorter period of 123-125 days.
- Economic Viability: The additional yield translates to a financial benefit of approximately ₹9,280-11,600 per acre, based on the minimum support price of ₹2,320 per quintal for ‘Grade A’ paddy.
What are the challenges in cultivation of PUSA – 44 Rice variety?
Stubble Burning: Due to its long maturity period, farmers in Punjab and Haryana have a short window between harvesting PUSA-44 and sowing the next crop (mainly wheat). This leads to stubble burning as the quickest way to clear the fields, contributing heavily to air pollution.
Water Consumption: PUSA-44 also has high water requirements, exacerbating groundwater depletion in water-scarce regions like Punjab and Haryana.
The Punjab government has banned Pusa-44 for the current crop year due to concerns over stubble burning. However, many farmers continue to cultivate it using saved seeds from previous crops.
What are the alternatives of PUSA – 44 Rice Variety?
The Central and state governments are considering phasing out the PUSA-44, IARI has introduced a new variety called Pusa-2090.
It matures faster (120-125 days) while maintaining comparable yields (34-35 quintals per acre).
This variety aims to reduce stubble burning and improve water efficiency by requiring fewer irrigations.
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