Punjab: Rice millers hesitant to shell PR126 variety
In Punjab, only 10% of rice millers are willing to shell the PR126 paddy variety, citing concerns about its lower out-turn ratio (around 62%) due to mixing with hybrid varieties. This short-duration variety was promoted to address the state’s depleting water table. Punjab Agricultural University supports PR126 but stresses that only approved varieties should be grown to avoid negative impacts on the state’s agrarian economy. The state agriculture department is tasked with ensuring proper seed usage.
The short-duration paddy variety, PR126, which is projected as the solution to Punjab’s falling water table, is not finding favour with rice millers of the state who are apprehensive about its out-turn ratio, stating that these may have been mixed with hybrid varieties.
Of about 5,500 rice millers in the state, only 10% have agreed to shell the PR126 variety rice, with others stating that the low out-turn ratio would lead to losses for the millers at the time of handing over to the Food Corporation of India (FCI). They said due to mixing with hybrid varieties, the out-turn ratio is likely to be around 62%, which, according to norms, should be 67%.
Punjab Agricultural University vice-chancellor Dr SS Gosal defended the PR126 varieties, stating that it is “tried and tested”. He, however, added that it should be ensured that only varieties recommended by the PAU should be allowed to be grown and not what is recommended by unscrupulous seed sellers.
“We have to be very careful as to what varieties are cultivated, otherwise it would create havoc for the agrarian economy of the state, which is already visible this season,” he added. The state agriculture department is responsible for extension services and mandated to ensure that tested varieties are sown.
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