Jump in PUSA-44 acreage can lead to farm fire spike

Banned in Punjab, seeds of high-residue, water-guzzling variety being bought from Haryana, Raj

- Gurpreet Singh Nibber

CHANDIGARH: With the Punjab government advancing the paddy transplantation date from June 1 onwards, the farmers are seeking to plant the long-duration and water-guzzling PUSA-44 variety, forcing experts to flag impact on water table and an increase in crop residue which in turn can lead to a spike in farm fires.

Experts said the variety will needs more irrigation cycles leading to a consumption of 20% more groundwater and the crop also produces 20-25% more residue and if burnt after the harvest in the October-November months will produce a higher quantity of smoke.

"It is long duration variety with seed to seed life cycle of 160 days, and if sown in June it will be ready for harvest in November month, leaving very short time for preparing fields for rabi sowing," said an expert apprehending that farmers will not be left with no option but to burn the crop residue.