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Time of India
29-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Kesar meets its match in pusa arunima
Rajkot: Mango lovers could soon be able to get their fill of the fruit well beyond the traditional April-June window. Farmers in the state's renowned kesar mango belt are successfully cultivating pusa arunima, a hybrid variety that will lengthen the time that mangoes are available. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The cultivar, a cross between north India's Amrapali and the US's sensation, bears fruit in the first week of Aug or even late July in the Gir region. This timing is significant as climate change and unseasonal rain have been shrinking the traditional mango season and affecting yields. Developed two decades ago by the Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), pusa arunima is gaining traction among farmers in Talala, the heart of kesar mango production. The variety shares many characteristics with the prized kesar variety while addressing some of its key limitations. The hybrid offers advantages in terms of climate resilience, and delivers an average yield of 16 tonnes a hectare compared to kesar's 10 tonnes, while also demonstrating superior pest and disease resistance. Its climate resilience is a crucial factor as traditional mango cultivation faces increasing weather-related disruptions. In terms of quality, pusa arunima maintains competitive standards with kesar. Both varieties are fibreless and rich in vitamin C, containing 43-48mg per 100g. The new variety has a total soluble solids content of 19.5 degrees brix (°Bx), placing it within the sweetness range of kesar mango, which measures between 18-22°Bx. The pusa arunima features a distinctive red peel with light-yellow flesh inside and offers a shelf life of 10-12 days at room temperature after ripening. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Suitable for high-density plantation and container growing, pusa arunima can also be cultivated in pots for home and terrace gardening, bringing its cultivation to urban spaces. Despite these promising characteristics, farmers are yet to fully accept the variety. D K Varu, principal and dean of the College of Horticulture at Junagadh Agricultural University, said, "In our region, no variety matches kesar's taste among mango lovers, which is very unique. The colour of its pulp and aroma is unparalleled. Some farmers have taken to experimentation with other varieties, which are slowly gaining acceptance. " "This year, the kesar crop was badly affected by climate change, but pusa arunima was quite resilient," said Sumeet Jariya, a farmer in Sasan who has been experimenting with 50 pusa arunima trees for five years. His trees recently began producing fruit, validating the variety's potential in local conditions. Earlier, farmers had succeeded in marketing Sonpari, another hybrid variety, and believe pusa arunima could similarly find market acceptance if consumer taste preferences can be developed.
Indian Express
15-05-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Why paddy sowing in Punjab depends on a court order this time, and the road ahead
By now, paddy sowing should have been underway in Punjab. In fact, the state government has set June 1 as the date for paddy transplantation —when the crop is moved to the fields after being sown in nurseries. However, farmers are still waiting for the court's decision on what seeds they can use, and anxiety is mounting. On April 7, the Punjab government banned the sale of hybrid paddy seeds due to concerns over high prices and low milling efficiency. This was challenged legally, and the next date of hearing in the Punjab and Haryana High Court is May 13, which many farmers feel could be too late. In this scenario, while some have turned to neighbouring Haryana to buy hybrid seeds, others are still seeking alternatives. Why do many Punjab farmers feel hybrid paddy seeds are important for them? What advantages do hybrid seeds have, and how are they developed? An expert answered these questions for The Indian Express. Dr. AK Singh, former director and emeritus scientist of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, said hybrid seeds were critical to reduce the area under paddy, a water-guzzling crop, while also taking care of the yield levels. Hybrid rice varieties typically yield 1 to 1.5 tonnes more per hectare than traditional varieties. 'Recently, the central government has emphasised that the area under rice cultivation must be reduced by 5 million hectares, while production must be increased by 10 million tonnes. This challenge calls for innovation and scientific advancements. One of the most important technologies for improving productivity in rice is the adoption of hybrid rice varieties,' Singh said. Singh said hybrid varieties with shorter growing periods (around 130 to 135 days) would allow for quicker harvests, facilitate wheat sowing, and use less water. How are hybrid varieties developed? The varieties are developed in research labs, modifying the seeds to achieve specific desired qualities. They are approved for commercial cultivation only after passing national testing standards. About the seeds banned by Punjab, Singh said the hybrids were tested under the All India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project at multiple locations, and met the minimum milling recovery standards of 67% (milling recovery refers to the amount of usable rice a paddy crop yields after milling, that is removal of husk and bran). Singh identified two critical factors for the future of rice cultivation in Punjab — the availability of short-duration, high-yielding varieties, and the shift from transplanted rice farming to direct-seed rice (DSR) farming. DSR farming refers to sowing seeds directly in the farm, which saves water and labour. Singh said the IARI has developed herbicide-tolerant basmati rice varieties, such as Pusa Basmati 1985 and Pusa Basmati 1979, which are suitable for DSR farming. These varieties save water by 30%, reduce transplanting costs by Rs 4,500 per acre, and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions by 35%. Singh also suggested linking these technologies to the carbon credit programme, which could further incentivise adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. 'The path ahead lies not in bans, but in promoting scientific innovations that support both sustainability and productivity. Policies must be based on evidence, not blanket restrictions,' he said.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Building sustainable startups crucial: Expert
Dharwad: Building sustainable agri startups and farmer producing organisations (FPOs) strengthen farmers' group to handle input purchase and market challenges, said Professor Cherukumalli Srinivas Rao, director and vice-chancellor of Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), New remarkable success in agriculture production and farm mechanisation, the required growth rate at country level in the production of agricultural commodities is challenged by weather vagaries, groundwater depletion, soil health deterioration, loss of soil carbon and biodiversity, Rao said while addressing the 38th annual convocation of University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad on said sustainable rainwater management is crucial for food production stability, and rapid expansion of farm mechanisation is needed in view of labour said education in agriculture goes beyond classrooms. "It is deeply rooted in the lives of farmers, their aspirations and their challenges. The students and faculty should engage with farming communities, learn from their experiences and work collaboratively to uplift rural livelihoods," Prof Rao the National Education Policy-2020, Prof Rao said skill development and industry orientation are key components of NEP-2020. Emphasis on internships and research experiences enhances employability and practical knowledge, he praise on UAS Dharwad over its achievements in several fields, Prof Rao specially acknowledged the varsity's feat in receiving two patents-one for 'Buckwheat Upma Mix' and another for the 'Twin Ring Borewell Recharge Technique'.Karnataka governor and chancellor of University Thawar Chand Gehlot presented gold medals, degrees and cash prizes to the graduating and agriculture minister N Chaluvarayaswamy was present. UAS vice-chancellor Prof PL Patil welcomed the gathering and briefed about the university's achievements in various fields. As many as 863 candidates, including 41 Doctoral, 197 Masters and 625 Bachelor's Degree were conferred on the occasion.
Indian Express
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Amid ban on sale of hybrid paddy seeds, farmers feel squeezed between court dates
'Tarikh Pe Tarikh…' Navjot Singh delivers this iconic dialogue from the 1993 Sunny Deol-starrer Bollywood hit 'Damini', as he prepares to sow the paddy nursery for his 12-acre field. For the 27-year-old from Kamalpura village in Jagraon tehsil of Punjab's Ludhiana district, 'tarikh pe tarikh' reflects not reel, but a real-life situation of court adjournments and slow wheels of the judicial system. In this case, it's a race against time, with nursery sowings just starting off and no clarity on availability of high-demand seeds at least till May 13. That's the date for the next hearing of the Punjab and Haryana High Court – on the Punjab government's April 7 order banning the sale of hybrid paddy seeds across the state. 'They heard the matter on April 25, May 2, May 5 and now it will be May 13. But we cannot wait that long, tarikh pe tarikh (date after date) to sow. Sowing has to take place 25-30 days before transplanting (when the seedlings raised in the nursery are uprooted and re-planted in the main field),' says Navjot. The Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab has set June 1 as the starting date for paddy transplanting operations. It means the sowing season is already underway. Navjot had planned to sow his seeds from May 10. He has bought 16 kg of seeds of two hybrids – Sava-7301 and Sava-7501 – traveling almost 200 km one way to Sirsa in Haryana. But these will suffice for only four acre (at 4 kg/acre) of land. 'If the ban is not lifted in the court's next date, I'll have to make a fresh trip to Haryana and get the seeds for my remaining eight acre of land. The dealers there will, of course, take advantage and charge their price,' sighs Navjot. He, like many farmers in Punjab, is keen to sow hybrid paddy seeds, bred by private companies such as Savannah Seeds, Corteva Agriscience/Pioneer, Bayer CropScience and VNR Seeds. These give higher yields than the varieties of public sector institutions such as Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI's). 'Last year, I harvested 38-40 quintals of paddy per acre from Sava-7501 and 35-36 quintals from Sava-7301 (both hybrids of Savannah Seeds), whereas it would be only 30 quintals from PAU's PR-126. While Pusa-44 (of IARI) also yields 35-36 quintals, it takes over 155 days to grow (from seed to grain), whereas the hybrids mature within 115-120 days,' claims Navjot. Shamsher Singh, farmer with 20-acre of land from Talwandi Dasaundha Singh village of Amritsar district, has procured 56 kg of Sava-7501 seeds through a relative in Patiala, who, in turn, had sourced it from dealers from Haryana. The rest of the 24 kg requirement was bought from a dealer in Una, Himachal Pradesh. 'I don't have the time to wait for the court to decide. If farmers in other states can buy and plant these seeds, why are we being forced to run around like this?' quips the 32-year-old, who has obtained an average of 39 quintal per acre from Sava-7501 in the last two years. 'No variety, barring Pusa-44, can compete with this hybrid, which yields so much in so little time,' says Shamsher. Jagtar Singh, a farmer from Gajewas village in Patiala district's Samana tehsil, has also placed orders for sowing hybrid seeds in his 25-acre paddy holding. He is part of a group of around 120 farmers who have tied up with seed dealers in Karnal, Haryana. 'If the court gives another date on May 13, we will simply go ahead and purchase from there. How can they stop us from planting these hybrids that yield up to 40 quintal per acre and also save water? These varieties take less time to grow.' he said. Shorter duration, moreover, enables farmers to manage their leftover paddy stubble from combine-harvesting better. 'If I sow by May 15, my paddy can be harvested by mid-September. After that, I just need to irrigate once to plough back the stubble into the field, providing ample time to sow the next wheat crop by early-November,' Jagtar added. Gurinder Singh, a farmer from Bhamian village in Khamanon tehsil of Fatehgarh Sahib district, was among the three parties – the other two being the Federation of Seed Industry of India and a dealer (New Kissan Agro Agency) – to challenge the April 7 order before the High Court bench of Justice Kuldeep Tiwari. The petitioners' primary contention was that the Punjab government did not have the authority to issue a ban order on sale of seeds of hybrids notified by the Centre, after their evaluation by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research for yield advantage, milling recovery and adaptability to different agro-climatic regions/states. Such powers under the Seed Act and Seed Control Order were solely vested in the Controller of Seeds appointed by the Central government.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
At 681, Haryana wheat burning cases hit 4-year low
Gurgaon: Haryana recorded 681 farm fires between April 1 and May 4 — its lowest in four years. The drop marks a positive shift in the state's fight against crop residue burning (CRB), a major source of seasonal air pollution and soil degradation. The practice of burning wheat stubble, especially common in April and May after the rabi harvest, is used to quickly clear fields for the next crop. In previous years, Haryana reported 2,459 fires in 2022, 775 in 2023 and 1,157 in 2024 during the same period. Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), which has shared the figures, attributes the consistent year-on-year decline to growing awareness among farmers, improved enforcement of regulations and the increased adoption of sustainable stubble management practices. According to experts, the wheat season also impacts air quality. Research associate at Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) Shubhansh Tiwari said, "Haryana is witnessing low farm fires as many startups are now buying the residue from the farmers. The farmers are getting equipment to manage their farms and there is awareness as well." "I feel that in the paddy season it may continue. CRB is very critical as prolonged periods of stagnant air can trap pollutants, leading to persistent haze, reduced visibility and increased respiratory issues — particularly among vulnerable communities," Tiwari said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Most Beautiful Wedding Dresses Of The Hollywood Stars Unconventional Experiences in Japan Undo The practice of CRB is a major concern, as it releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, affecting public health and the environment. Haryana agriculture department (Jhajjar) Mohit Kumar said public awareness campaigns which have been carried out over the years are "yielding results" to educate farmers and the general public about the negative consequences of CRB and the importance of adopting eco-friendly alternatives. State agriculture officials said efforts are being made to provide subsidised machinery to farmers to manage crop waste. An agriculture department official in Kurukshetra said the number of active fire locations in the district has come down. "Farmers are being encouraged to adopt alternative methods of crop residue management, such as incorporating the residue into the soil or using it for biomass energy production. The govt is also providing incentives and support to farmers to facilitate the transition to more sustainable farming practices. All these are helping to reduce the farm fires," an agriculture official said. This year, Jhajjar led the state with 141 fires, followed by Rohtak (88), Sonipat (73), Kaithal (52) and Karnal (46). Other districts with notable cases included Sirsa and Jind (38 each), Charkhi Dadri (33), Hisar (31) and Fatehabad (30). Smaller numbers came from Panipat (28), Kurukshetra (25), Ambala and Yamunanagar (16 each), Palwal (11), Bhiwai (10) and Faridabad, which saw just five incidents. Officials say the encouraging trend is the result of sustained efforts through govt schemes, field-level engagement and equipment support for in-situ stubble management—offering a hopeful outlook for air quality and sustainable agriculture in the region. Swagata Dey, policy specialist leading the Air Quality Policy and Outreach Group at Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy, said, "Summer crop residue burning of rabi crops is rarely discussed as its impact on air quality across the Indo-Gangetic Plains is less because of changes in wind patterns. This year, it is encouraging to see that the numbers have reduced in Haryana."
