How paddy variety PR-126 became a victim of its own popularity
- October 18, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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How paddy variety PR-126 became a victim of its own popularity
Sub : Geo
Sec: Eco geo
About the controversy:
- In the recent years, PR-126 has faced scrutiny due to alleged low milling out-turn ratios (OTR), leading to rice shellers refusing to accept this variety.
- The controversy has escalated into a political issue, with opposition parties criticizing the Punjab government’s handling of paddy procurement.
- The primary issue facing PR-126 stems from the influx of non-certified hybrid varieties being marketed under its name. Millers have expressed concerns about these hybrids having lower OTRs (60%-62%) compared to PR-126’s consistent 67%.
- Millers do not have a problem with PR-126 per say. Rather, they are concerned about hybrid varieties sold under the name of PR-126.
About PR-126:
- PR-126, a short-duration paddy variety developed by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), gained popularity among farmers in Punjab since its introduction in 2016.
- It was favoured for its shorter growth cycle, high yield, lower pesticide needs and excellent OTR.
- It offers an average yield of over 30 quintals per acre.
- In the 2023-2024 season, PR-126 was cultivated on approximately 8.59 lakh hectares, constituting about 33% of non-Basmati paddy cultivation in Punjab and is expected to increase to 44% this year.
Advantages of PR-126:
- Punjab has seen a record-high area under paddy cultivation, roughly 32 lakh hectares, in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, but the state is facing a severe groundwater crisis.
- Shifting to paddy varieties which can be grown in a shorter duration likely offers the best solution for the water crisis. This is where PR-126 comes in.
- It gives farmers more time to manage stubble, reducing the need for burning.
Victim of its own popularity:
- This year, the demand for PR-126 was huge, and when enough seed wasn’t available, seed and pesticide companies took advantage of the situation by selling hybrid varieties under the PR-126 name.
Out-turn ratio (OTR):
- out-turn ratio refers to the post milling yield of a crop.
- The out-turn ratio of rice from paddy is the percentage of rice produced from a given amount of paddy.
Who are Arhtiyas:
- Arhtiyas are traditional commission agents or middlemen in the Indian agricultural market, primarily responsible for facilitating the sale and purchase of agricultural produce between farmers and buyers.
- They play a crucial role in the marketing of crops, especially in states like Punjab and Haryana.