Rice variety PR 126, developed by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), has emerged as a frontrunner during the Kharif season 2022.
Hailing the ineffable response of the farmers to the PAU developed rice variety, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU said that it was in the interest of the state to promote the cultivation of PR 126 during the next season. Though PAU and state seed agencies are multiplying its seed on a large scale, yet seeing farmers’ response, it will be a herculean task to meet the demand of seed during the next season, he observed. In view of this, Dr Gosal appealed to the farmers to retain the pure seed of PR 126 variety or make efforts to arrange from their friends, neighbours or relatives.
Divulging details, Dr Gurjit Singh Mangat, Additional Director of Research (Crop Improvement), PAU, said: “During the current Kharif season, PR 126 was grown on more than 5.0 lakh ha. As per the feedback received from different districts through extension functionaries, farmers and media, PR 126 has performed consistently better and is emerging as a frontrunner among all the varieties.”
About its salient characteristics, Dr Mangat said: “The Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana released PR 126 variety in 2017 for cultivation in the state. It has short duration, i.e. one month shorter than Pusa 44 and 2-3 weeks than other varieties. Though its average paddy yield is 30.0 quintals per acre, yet farmers are realizing up to 38 quintals per acre. On account of shorter duration, it has a great potential for saving resources (water, agro-chemicals, etc.).” Besides, PR 126 also provides sufficient time for the management of paddy straw residue, and its low biomass also facilitates the use of straw management machinery for wheat sowing, he added. On account of shorter duration, it opens up a possibility of an additional crop (summer moong, musk/water melon etc.), and thereby enhancing farmers income, he observed.
