PUSA 44 Paddy Variety to be Banned from Next Kharif Season, Says Punjab CM

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that the state government will prohibit the cultivation of the water-intensive PUSA-44 variety of paddy crop starting from the next Kharif season.

He made this statement while launching paddy procurement operations and encouraged farmers to avoid burning crop residue.

Mann emphasized the importance of a smooth and trouble-free procurement process for the current Kharif Marketing Season, starting on October 1, and pledged to purchase all of the farmers' grains.

He urged farmers to discontinue the cultivation of PUSA 44 paddy because it takes longer to mature and produces more crop residue compared to other varieties.

From the next season, the PUSA 44 variety will be banned in Punjab. This variety also consumes more water for irrigation compared to others. The government plans to introduce new paddy varieties for cultivation.

The Chief Minister also stressed the need to stop stubble burning and mentioned that crop residue management machinery is being provided to farmers. The government has mandated that brick kilns use stubble as fuel, and some companies are collecting stubble from farmers.

Mann mentioned that the government has addressed the issue of DAP (diammonium phosphate) supply with the Centre for Wheat Cultivation, and they have received 3 lakh metric tonnes of DAP. He assured that farmers will receive timely payments.

Regarding the cash credit limit, Punjab had requested Rs 42,000 crore from the Centre for paddy procurement and has received Rs 37,000 crore so far.

The state has set up 1,854 purchase centers and made arrangements for storage materials in preparation for the Kharif season. The government aims to procure 173 lakh metric tonnes of paddy out of a target of 182.10 lakh MT for the Kharif season.