Paddy transplanted in 1.75 lakh hectares so far — a 4-fold jump from last year
Paddy transplantation in Punjab has gained momentum, with official data showing nearly 1.75 lakh hectares covered by June 10 — more than fourfold of 40,000 hectares recorded in the consecutive period last year, indicating a substantial shift in the sowing patterns driven largely by a change in the state government's policy.
On the contrary, agricultural experts and officials of the Punjab Agriculture Department have raised serious concerns over the implications of this policy, particularly due to the predominance of long-duration paddy varieties like Pusa-44 and Peeli Pusa in the early sowing phase, as these varieties typically require nearly 160 days from nursery to harvest and are known to be highly water-intensive.
Also, these varieties are not recommended for sowing in Punjab.
The early surge is attributed to the Punjab government's decision to advance official paddy transplantation date — from earlier June 10 or around mid-June to June 1 this year — aimed at reducing the moisture level in the crop at the time of harvesting in October.
Groundwater concerns amid heatwave
'The early sowing of long-duration varieties under heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 44°C in several parts of the state, is problematic,' a senior officer of the Punjab Agriculture Department told The Indian Express. 'High temperatures evaporate water fast. As these varieties require frequent irrigation, especially in the initial 4-5 weeks, maintaining 2-3 inches of standing water is essential for the growth of paddy under the puddled transplanting system.'
The ban on cultivating Pusa-44, previously imposed due to its high-water consumption and contribution to stubble burning, appears to have been ignored by a considerable number of farmers, facilitated by the earlier transplanting window. This has further aggravated groundwater depletion concerns, particularly in central and southern Punjab, already categorised as 'over-exploited zones' by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).
Sharing his experience, Jaspal Singh, a farmer from Patiala, said, 'Out of 10 acres, I've transplanted Pusa-44 on five acres. I began in the first week of June, and the crop would be ready by around October 15. It's a long-duration crop, but I prefer it because it gives a good yield and I can manage it better when sown earlier.'
'On the remaining five acres, I am planning to sow short and mid-duration varieties, which take around 120 to 140 days, including nursery time. These varieties are generally less water-intensive and align better with environmental recommendations, but give less yield than Pusa-44,' Jaspal added.
Electricity demands spiked
The early and widespread transplantation, on the other hand, has spiked electricity demand, as irrigation requirements soar, across the state. The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has recently recorded a record-breaking power consumption triggered by agricultural load in some parts. Officials anticipate continued pressure on the grid amid mercury rising and intensified paddy transplantation.
The Punjab Agriculture Department, which is closely monitoring the situation, has reiterated its advisory for staggered sowing to help balance water and electricity usage.
Experts also encourage the use of short-duration and water-efficient paddy varieties, which reduce the crop cycle to around 120-130 days and are less taxing on groundwater.
In light of the ongoing climate crisis, growing energy demand and critical groundwater depletion, environmentalists and agronomists emphasise the need for urgent crop diversification and adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.
'We are trying our best to convince farmers to do away with long-duration paddy varieties because the consequence they face in terms of boring their tubewells deeper into the ground every few years,' Punjab Agricultural Department Director Jaswant Singh said.
'As the paddy season progresses, the state finds itself standing at a crucial juncture, balancing the economic imperatives of farmers with the environmental sustainability of its agricultural heartland,' another official said.
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