In a significant move ahead of the 2025 Kharif season, the Punjab government has officially banned the sale and cultivation of hybrid paddy seeds, including the widely used Pusa-44 variety.

The decision, announced in early April, aims to address environmental concerns, economic inefficiencies, and quality issues associated with these rice varieties .

Reasons Behind the Ban

1. Environmental Concerns
Pusa-44, a long-duration paddy variety, is known for its high water consumption and substantial stubble production post-harvest. These factors contribute to groundwater depletion and environmental pollution due to stubble burning .

2. Economic Inefficiencies
Rice millers have reported that hybrid varieties produce a lower out turn ratio (OTR) than the 67% mandated by the Food Corporation of India (FCI), resulting in financial losses for millers and lower prices for farmers .

3. Quality Issues
Hybrid paddy seeds have been associated with higher percentages of broken grains during milling, leading to reduced market value and challenges in meeting procurement standards .

Farmers' Response and Protests

The ban has sparked protests from farmer organizations such as the Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), who argue that hybrid varieties are essential for maintaining productivity and profitability. Farmers highlight that hybrids can yield up to 36 quintals per acre, offering better financial returns compared to traditional varieties .
Additionally, farmers assert that hybrid paddy is crucial in regions with saline groundwater, such as parts of Muktsar, Fazilka, Mansa, and Bathinda, where traditional varieties struggle .