LUDHIANA: It is possible to increase rice yield at least by 25% in Punjab. This was disclosed by Dr Gurdey Singh Khush Principal Rice Breeder at the International Rice Research Institute Philippines. He discussed the possibility of increase in the rice yield with Dr K.S.Gill PAU Vice Chancellor. Dr.Khush is the recipient of the Japan Science Prize and is the world’s top-most rice breeder. Rice varieties he has evolved are being grown in more than 70% of the rice-growing areas of the world.
Rice is the major Kharif crop of Punjab with an average yield of 3.5 tonnes per hectare, Although the average yield of rice is the highest in the country, yet it is below the yields obtained in Korea and China. The average price below the yields obtained in Korea and China. The average rice yield in Korea is 4.4 tonnes per hectare.
The rice yield is stagnant for the last few years as no new breakthrough has taken place in the technology. After thorough discussion “with PAU scientists Dr Khush has given a five-point strategy to break the present Stagnation. He is confident that with this strategy at least 25% increase in rice yield can be obtained in the state. The five points he suggests are:
Cultivation of disease-resistant varieties a new variety of rice resistant to bacterial leaf blight will be available next year. Bacterial leaf blight has become serious disease of rice in Punjab during the last three-four years.
Plantation at the proper time i.e. in the month of June Early and late transplantation gives less yield and also consumes more water.
Optimum plant population this can be achieved either through line sowing or through mechanical sowing.
Use of high quality seed many off type plants have been noticed in rice fields. It is important to use certified seed only.
Hybrid varieties of rice new hybrid variety of rice have 15% more yield potential. These will be available within two years.
Rice was cultivated on an area of 19 lakh hectares last year in the State. The total yield was 6.7 million tonnes. Punjab is the major contributor to the Central Pool (above 40% of the total) with the adoption of suggested techniques the production can be increased Up to 9 million tons in the state.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 24, 1991
