Context:
Recently, Punjab Chief Minister announced that the state will ban the cultivation of the PUSA-44 paddy variety from next year onwards.
Relevance:
GS III: Agriculture
Dimensions of the Article:
- PUSA-44: A Paddy Variety with Implications
- Key Facts about the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
PUSA-44: A Paddy Variety with Implications
Development: PUSA-44 is a paddy variety that was developed in 1993 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Widespread Adoption:
- By the end of the 2010s, PUSA-44 had gained immense popularity among farmers in Punjab, covering a substantial portion, approximately 70 to 80%, of the paddy cultivation area.
- Farmers have reported significantly higher yields with PUSA-44, producing nearly 85 to 100 quintals per acre, compared to the average yield of 28 to 30 quintals per acre with other varieties.
Concerns Surrounding PUSA-44:
- Longer Duration: PUSA-44 is a long-duration paddy variety, taking around 160 days to mature, which is 35 to 40 days longer than other varieties. This extended growth period necessitates 5-6 additional cycles of irrigation.
- Groundwater Depletion: Given Punjab’s severe groundwater depletion issue, the government aims to conserve one month of irrigation water by banning this variety.
- Stubble Burning: PUSA-44 exacerbates the problem of stubble burning in the state. It generates approximately 2% more stubble than shorter-duration varieties, posing a significant environmental concern when cultivated on a large scale.
Key Facts about the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- Autonomous Organization: ICAR is an autonomous organization operating under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
- Former Name: ICAR was formerly known as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research.
- Establishment: It was established on 16 July 1929 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Its establishment was in response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Agriculture.
- Apex Body: ICAR serves as the apex body responsible for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in various fields of agriculture, including horticulture, fisheries, and animal sciences, across India.
- National Agricultural System: ICAR oversees a vast network of agricultural institutions, including 113 ICAR institutes and 71 agricultural universities, making it one of the largest national agricultural systems globally.
- Headquarters: The headquarters of ICAR is located in New Delhi, India.
-Source: Indian Express
