Slow Paddy Sowing Worries PAU, Asks Growers to Speed Up Process

Paddy transplantation in Punjab has been completed on just 35% of the total area expected to be cultivated this kharif season, prompting concerns from the state's agricultural experts.

- Gurpreet Singh Nibber

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has urged farmers to accelerate transplantation as the ideal window for short-duration varieties closes by July 10.

"According to the information gathered by the university authorities, farmers have delayed transplantation despite the state government having allowed it from June 1," said Dr SS Gosal, vice chancellor of PAU.

The university has sold 23,000 quintals of short-duration paddy seeds, sufficient to cover around 3 lakh acres of land, he added. The university is advising farmers to complete transplantation by mid-July to better conserve water while maintaining crop productivity. This year, paddy cultivation is expected to cover 31 lakh hectares (approximately 76 lakh acres) in Punjab, with a significant target of 7 lakh hectares (17 lakh acres) allocated for the premium aromatic basmati variety, comprising 22% of the total area. However, the delay in transplantation has raised alarm, especially with the monsoon season approaching.