Farmers Movement Archive

Punjab likely to see 20% mechanised paddy sowing

CHANDIGARH: The ongoing labour shortage is prompting increasing number of farmers in Punjab to adopt mechanised direct seeding of rice (DSR) and this has made the state government's target of covering 20% (4 lakh hectares) area under paddy cultivation by the DSR system an easily achievable one. Athough direct sowing of paddy was to officially begin from June 1, many farmers have already hit the fields in their anxiety to try out the mechanised system. "If mechanised sowing of paddy pays off, more farmers will go for it next year and more machines will be made available by then. Farmers seek 8-hour uninterrupted powerThe area covered by this technology is likely to go up in the next season,” Punjab agriculture secretary KS Pannu said. Abjinder Singh Sangha, a progressive farmer from Sangrur, said his family and friends had recently placed an order for a dozen direct paddy sowing machines and are hoping for a good yield. “The results have been very encouraging so far and the entire area around Amargarh and Barnala will witness the use of these machines this time,” he said. “Farmers of Punjab are trying their hand at direct seeding of rice. It is the duty of the government to reach out to the farmers engaged in direct seeding and provide all possible assistance,” he added. The direct sowing machine that was priced at Rs 35,000 a few years back is now available for Rs 85,000 with modifications. The paddy farmers are demanding that since most of them have already begun sowing paddy, the state should ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity for eight hours to help mechanised sowing. “Presently, the supply is only for about two hours, which is fine for traditional paddy sowing but not for the mechanised exercise,” said Harnam Singh, a farmer from Ropar. Harinder Singh Lakhowal, general secretary, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), said the farmers have been generally satisfied with the use of mechanised direct sowing and had more machines been made available in time, the targeted area could have gone up. “Given the fact that migrant labour is not available in the state, direct sowing is the only viable option available and more machines should have been made available,” he said. ‘Don’t sow PUSA-44’Most farmers, including some progressive ones, are continuing to opt to sow water guzzling paddy variety PUSA-44. They feel it is the best option available, especially in case of contract farming as its yield is high. PUSA-44 is a 130-day crop that is sown early and consumes more ground water. It also matures late, leaving a short window for sowing wheat, resulting in burning of paddy straw at a large scale. An advisory issued by the Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) has asked the farmers not to go for PUSA-44 as it takes a longer period to yield. It has recommended PR-126 variety should be sown from June 5. “Apart from consuming more water, the insects that Pusa-44 attracts affect the next crop as well,” said Pannu.

The Times of India

2020-05-23

Chandigarh