Context:
To address the persistent issue of farm fires in Punjab and Haryana, the government is promoting the adoption of new rice varieties. Pusa-2090 has been identified as a viable alternative to the popular Pusa-44 due to its similar yield potential. Crucially, Pusa-2090 can be harvested in early to mid-October, which is earlier than traditional varieties. This earlier harvest timing is key as it eliminates the need for stubble burning—a practice typically done to quickly clear fields before the sowing of wheat—thereby contributing to environmental conservation and reducing air pollution.
Relevance:
GS III: Agriculture
Dimensions of the Article:
- PUSA-44: A Paddy Variety with Implications
- Overview of Pusa-2090
- 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.
Overview of Pusa-2090
- Pusa-2090 is a recently developed, short-duration paddy variety by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), designed as a potential substitute for the Pusa-44 variety.
- It is the result of a cross between Pusa-44 and CB-501 (an early-maturing Japonica rice line). Pusa-2090 matures in 120-125 days, similar to PR-126, but offers a higher yield of about 34-35 quintals per acre, aligning it with the yield of Pusa-44.
Key Benefits
- High Tillers and Grain Count: Pusa-2090 maintains a high number of tillers (grain-bearing branches) and grains per panicle, comparable to Pusa-44 and outperforming PR-126.
- Resilience Against Lodging: It features a robust culm (stem), reducing susceptibility to lodging (falling over due to strong winds or heavy rains), and responds well to nitrogen application.
- Water Efficiency: The shorter growth duration of Pusa-2090 helps conserve water, requiring 5-6 fewer irrigations compared to Pusa-44, which typically needs 29-30 irrigations.
Can Pusa-2090 Replace Pusa-44?
- Comparable Yield: Pusa-2090 shows only a slight reduction in yield compared to Pusa-44, producing nearly as much grain.
- Early Maturity: Its early maturity, similar to PR-126, allows farmers to harvest sooner, enabling better preparation for subsequent crops without delay.
- Water-Saving Benefits: Pusa-2090 is an attractive alternative for farmers seeking both high yields and efficient water use.
- Post-Pusa-44 Era: Following the ban on Pusa-44, farmers are considering Pusa-2090 as a strong alternative in the region.
- Milling Quality: Apart from yield, the milling quality of rice plays a crucial role. For instance, PR-126 is not favored by millers due to its low rice recovery rate of 63%, which is below the government-mandated standard of 67%.
- Market Potential: If Pusa-2090 can match the grain quality of Pusa-44, it may gain wider acceptance among millers.
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
