Punjab Bans Sale of Hybrid Paddy Seeds: Reasons and Concerns
Why in the news
The Punjab government stopped hybrid paddy seed sales, hoping to avoid a repeat of the milling dispute seen in the 2024-25 Kharif procurement.
Key facts
- Scope: non-Basmati hybrid paddy seeds.
- Stated reasons: high seed prices and a lower out turn ratio (OTR) in rice milling.
- OTR gap: 60-63% reported by millers vs 67% FCI norm.
- Nature: a pre-emptive ban after millers’ resistance had earlier forced the state to intervene.
Why farmers like hybrids
| Benefit | Claimed figure |
|---|---|
| Yield | 35-40 quintals per acre, 5-6 more than traditional |
| Duration | 125-130 days, saving water and aiding crop rotation |
| Income | Extra ₹13,000-₹14,000 per acre |
| Stubble | Less, helping its management |
About hybrid paddy
- Made by crossing two rice varieties for traits such as better yield, water efficiency and early maturity.
- Produced by controlled pollination between a male sterile line and a pollen parent.
- Popular names include Sava 127, Sava 134, 27P22 and VNR 203.
Concerns
- Unclear whether notified varieties are exempt.
- Farmers and seed experts blame systemic milling inefficiencies, not the seed.
- They want clearer guidelines and modernised milling.
Exam angle
- Term: out turn ratio (OTR).
- FCI standard: 67%.
- Season: Kharif 2024-25.