A variety of paddy has found centre-stage in Delhi NCR's pollution debate
paddy variety PR-126, developed by Punjab Agricultural University, is at the center of a debate in Punjab. The AAP-led state government supports this variety, but the opposition Congress criticizes it for its lower yield.
According to a TOI report, PR-126 has the advantage of reducing farming costs and helping combat air pollution in Delhi-NCR. This variety matures in 123-125 days, compared to the popular Pusa-44 variety's 155-160 days. This shorter growth period saves on irrigation and energy costs, and preserves groundwater. Additionally, it provides farmers with enough time to prepare for the next crop without resorting to stubble burning.
However, PR-126 yields 4-5 quintals less per acre than Pusa-44, which produces 35-36 quintals per acre. It also yields 5 kg less rice during milling. This has led Punjab Opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa to criticize Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for promoting PR-126.
«The yield problem can, however, be resolved from the next season if the state opts for a high-yielding short-duration crop variety, Pusa-2090, developed by IARI. This new variety matches Pusa-44 in terms of yield and PR-126 in terms of duration (123-125 days) to get mature and ready for harvest,» an official in the agriculture ministry told TOI.
Pusa-2090 was officially released this year for Delhi, with a few farmers in Punjab and Haryana planting it on a trial basis. Wider adoption may take a few more years. Farmer Shukhjeet Singh Bhangu from Sangrur district in Punjab, who planted Pusa-2090 on one acre,
