Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Chief Agriculture Officer, Tarn Taran appeals farmers not to plant Pusa-44 variety of paddy
Babushahi Bureau
Tarn Taran, April 26, 2024: Dr. Harpal Singh Pannu, Chief Agriculture Officer, Tarn Taran, and Dr. Tajinder Singh, District Training Officer, Tarn Taran, while giving information, said that the groundwater level in the state is falling day by day.
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana has recommended against the cultivation of the Pusa 44 variety of paddy as this variety takes a longer time to mature and 15-20 percent more water than other varieties, besides this type of paddy has more stubble. Due to this, it is difficult to maintain the straw. In addition, this variety is severely affected by blight disease and requires at least two sprays to prevent pests and diseases, which reduces profitability.
He said that according to the guidelines of the Honorable Director of Agriculture, the teams of the Agriculture Department checked the seed shops and gave strict instructions to all the seed sellers not to sell Pusa-44 type of paddy seeds, saying that if any if the dealer is found selling Pusa-44 type of seed, appropriate legal action will be taken against him.
He said that according to the instructions of the Punjab government, certified seed of Pusa-44 type of paddy has not been prepared and any seed seller will be banned from selling Pusa-44 type of paddy. It is strictly prohibited to keep and sell 44 types of seeds in the shop.
Dr. Harpal Singh Pannu, Chief Agriculture Officer, Tarn Taran, appealed to the farmers that instead of planting Pusa-44, they should plant only varieties that require less water and less time. So that underground water can be saved and farmers should buy only quality seeds from the shops and while buying seeds, they must get the original bill from the seed seller.