Context:

• Teams from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, will evaluate the rice yield of paddy, especially short-duration PR126 and hybrid varieties.

Key Points:

• The ongoing investigation into paddy yield efficiency in Punjab represents a critical examination of agricultural productivity and milling performance, particularly focusing on the short-duration PR-126 variety and various hybrid rice cultivars.
• As Punjab grapples with water scarcity and the need for sustainable agricultural practices, understanding the performance of these rice varieties is essential for the future of the state's agriculture.

Background of PR-126 Variety

The PR-126 paddy variety was developed by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in 2016 as a response to the pressing water crisis in the region. This variety has gained attention for several distinctive advantages that align with the agricultural needs of Punjab:

• Short growth duration: PR-126 matures in approximately 125 days, significantly shorter than the 160 days required for traditional paddy varieties. This rapid maturation allows for more efficient use of the growing season and enables farmers to cultivate multiple crops in a year.
   
• Water efficiency: One of the most critical advantages of PR-126 is its water efficiency. It requires 25% less water than long-duration varieties, making it a suitable choice for a region facing severe water scarcity.
   
• High yield potential: The variety boasts a yield potential of 32-37.2 quintals per acre, which is competitive compared to other varieties. This high yield is crucial for ensuring the economic viability of paddy farming in Punjab.
   
• Rapid adoption: The adoption rate of PR-126 has been impressive, covering approximately 33% of non-Basmati paddy cultivation in Punjab, with expectations to rise to 44% in the current year. This rapid uptake indicates farmers' recognition of its benefits.

Current Yield concerns

Despite the advantages of the PR-126 variety, rice millers have raised significant concerns regarding its milling performance, particularly the out-turn ratio (OTR) and grain quality:

• Reduced Rice Yield: Millers report that PR-126 and some hybrid varieties yield only 62-64 kg of rice per 100 kg of paddy, which raises questions about their economic viability for milling operations.
   
• Grain quality issues: Certain hybrid varieties have been found to have full grain percentages as low as 40%, which can adversely affect marketability and consumer acceptance.
   
• Breakage percentage: Trials have indicated breakage rates of up to 60%, further complicating the milling process and reducing the overall yield of marketable rice.