Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PUSA-44;
Mains level: Agricultural Issues in India;
Why in the News?
Punjab’s paddy farmers have begun sowing seeds for this year’s kharif season, despite the ban on variety PUSA-44 that was implemented last year.
About the Cultivation of Paddy Varieties like PUSA-44:
- Pusa-44 is a long-duration paddy variety bred by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and has been a key contributor to stubble burning.
- Its growth cycle of 155-160 days, from nursery sowing to harvesting, leads to late October maturity, leaving a short window for field preparation for the next crop.
The Impact on Groundwater in Punjab as per “CGWA’s Groundwater Estimation Report 2020″
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Why are Farmers in several districts unwilling to stop their Cultivation?
- Higher Income: Farmers receive a higher yield and guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP), leading to increased incomes.
- Seed Availability: Farmers retain seeds from previous seasons, and many stores have already sold seeds to farmers.
- Resistance to Change: Despite awareness of the adverse effects, many farmers continue to cultivate PUSA-44. Significant cultivation areas in districts like Barnala, Sangrur, and Moga rely heavily on PUSA-44, making immediate change difficult.
- Time Required for Transition: Changing entrenched agricultural practices and mindsets in heavily reliant districts cannot be achieved quickly.
Judicial Stand on the Cultivation of Paddy Varieties like PUSA-44:
- The Supreme Court has emphasized the need to cease stubble burning in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, the discussion surrounding Pusa-2090 rice variety from its ability to provide an alternative to the problematic long-duration Pusa-44 variety.
- Pusa-2090 rice matures in a shorter duration of 120-125 days while maintaining comparable yields, addressing the core issue of stubble burning.
- Happy Seeder (Tractor) is also a solution that offers an eco-friendly alternative to stubble burning.
Way Forward:
- Public Awareness and Guidance: Educate farmers on the benefits of short-duration varieties, which are more water-efficient and better for stubble management.
- Supportive Policies: Government and agricultural experts need to provide support and incentives for transitioning to sustainable paddy varieties.
- Gradual Implementation: Acknowledge the need for time and a phased approach to change farming practices in heavily reliant districts.
Mains PYQ:
Q The ideal solution of depleting groundwater resources in India is a water harvesting system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas? (15) (UPSC IAS/2018)
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