Context:
The Punjab government has banned the sale of hybrid paddy seeds (non-Basmati varieties), citing:
- High seed prices.
- Lower out turn ratio (OTR) during rice milling, leading to economic losses for farmers and millers.
Hybrid Paddy Seeds
Hybrid paddy seeds are developed by crossbreeding two different rice varieties to create a new variety with improved traits like higher yield, water efficiency, and early maturity. They are typically non-Basmati varieties and are used for commercial high-yield rice farming. Hybrid seeds are produced through controlled pollination between a male sterile line and a pollen parent.
Why Do Farmers in Punjab Prefer Hybrid Paddy Seeds?
- Popular Hybrid Varieties:
Includes Sava 127, Sava 134, 27P22, VNR 203, and others from firms like Savannah, VNR, Corteva, and Bayer. - Key Benefits Claimed by Farmers:
- Higher Yields: 35–40 quintals per acre (5–6 quintals more than traditional).
- Shorter Crop Duration: 125–130 days, saving water and enabling crop rotation.
- Reduced Stubble: Supports stubble management.
- Higher Earnings: Additional income of ₹13,000–₹14,000 per acre.
Why Did the Punjab Government Impose the Ban?
- Issue with Rice Millers:
- Millers refused to accept hybrid varieties during 2024–25 Kharif procurement.
- Claimed low OTR (60–63%) vs. FCI standard of 67%, resulting in milling losses.
- Government’s Concern:
- Lower OTR leads to lower returns for farmers.
- Past resistance from millers forced the state to intervene and negotiate.
- To avoid repetition, a pre-emptive ban was enforced.
- Lack of Clarity:
- The ban does not specify if it applies to officially notified varieties, creating ambiguity.
While the Punjab government aims to protect farmer income and milling standards, the blanket ban on hybrid paddy seeds has triggered pushback from farmers and seed industry experts. They emphasize that systemic inefficiencies, not the seeds themselves, are to blame for milling issues. Clearer guidelines and modernization of millin
