Warning the Punjab farmers against paddy transplanting before June 20, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, observed that the sinking underground water level was proving to be a catastrophe for the state’s agriculture as well as environment. He called upon the field level scientists to be readily available at the farmers’ disposal in the scorching heat as well as work round the clock and put in best efforts to bring maximum area under University developed less water consuming and early maturing ‘PR’ varieties.
Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, advocated the transplanting of PR 131, PR 129, PR 128, PR 121, PR 122, PR 114 and PR 113 from June 20, whereas, PR 126, PR 127, PR 130 and HKR 147 from June 25 onwards. Since PR 126 vacates the field early and facilitates timely sowing of potato, peas or berseem crops, the transplanting of PR 126 can be done upto July 20, he advised.
“Farmers should refrain from transplanting paddy before the scheduled date (June 20) to reduce the load on underground water,” urged Dr GS Mangat, Additional Director of Research (Agriculture) to the farmers. “Transplanting paddy after June 20 is a way to water conservation, high yield as well as successful and sustainable rice cultivation,” he observed. Further, Dr Mangat disclosed that the PAU has developed and recommended 11 short/medium duration rice varieties in the past 11 years which have yielded exceptional results at farmers’ fields, covering more than 70 per cent of paddy area in the state.
Dr MS Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, stressed upon promoting nursery sowing of short duration varieties comprising Punjab Basmati 7, Punjab Basmati 5, Pusa Basmati 1121, Pusa Basmati 1847 and Pusa Basmati 1718 in the first fortnight of June, while that of CSR 30 and Pusa Basmati 1509 in the second fortnight of June.
In the recently held monthly review meet for research and extension work, the extension functionaries were specifically asked to popularize short duration rice varieties and direct seeded rice (DSR) for saving water and labour, and enhancing profitability. With a ban on Pusa 44, it was also suggested to remain on toes to discourage the illegal use and sowing of this water-guzzling rice variety (Pusa 44).
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