6 days ago
Govt distributing new paddy variety seeds
Prayagraj: With the beginning of the Kharif season, farmers are preparing to plant export-oriented paddy seeds in the trans-Yamuna villages of Sangam city. The state govt in an effort to increase the income of farmers, is not only encouraging technology and export-based varieties of paddy crops but also increasing the amount of subsidy on seeds.
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This time, farmers are being encouraged to grow export-oriented paddy varieties in their fields.
The Koraon block in trans-Yamuna of Sangam city is called the rice bowl of the state because of the large amount of paddy production. Earlier, paddy was grown on around 1.45 lakh hectares, but plans are afoot to cultivate paddy crops on 1.77 lakh hectares this year. Deputy Director (Agriculture) Pawan Kumar Vishwakarma said, "Till now, the paddy variety Pusa 1121 was grown in the district, but now farmers are being encouraged to grow a new paddy variety, Pusa 1718, in place of Pusa 1121.
" He further added that this new variety is similar to the aromatic variety of Basmati, which has a good fragrance as well as more shine.
Officials said, "As the demand for Pusa 1718 variety rice is high in exports, this will increase the income of farmers manifold. The govt is distributing seeds of this new species in this financial year."
Vishwakarma, meanwhile, claimed that around 1555.20 quintals of seeds of this new species of paddy will be distributed in the district, out of which 1,533 quintals of seeds have been received by the department. For better distribution, as many as 23 distribution centres were set up across the district to cover the majority of farmers. The state govt has also announced a 50 percent subsidy on paddy nursery seeds to help farmers.
This will reduce the cost of cultivation and encourage farmers to achieve better production. These seeds will be made available in all the blocks of the district from June 15.
