High yield seed varieties, farm technologies boost wheat production in Punjab

AHMEDABAD: High yield seed varieties and farm technologies has boosted wheat production in Punjab. The s tate recorded a bumper wheat production of 129 lakh tonne against the target of 108 lakh tonne this year.

Favorable weather during the wheat season, development and popularization of improved varieties, production technology by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), role played by the extension functionaries of PAU and state Department of Agriculture, hard work of farmers were the import factors.

"New high yielding varieties like PBW-621 (21.1 quintal/acre) and HD-2967 (21.4 quintal/acre) contributed toward enhancing wheat production," said PAU director of research, Dr SS Gosal.

According to Dr MS Sidhu, Head, Dept of Economics and Sociology, the PAU recommended varieties (PBW-550, PBW-343, PBW-621 and HD-2967, etc.) covered 68% area of Punjab, during 2011-12. The enhanced production of wheat has made the state richer by Rs 2,570 crore, he said.

Besides the seed varieties, the technology transfer by extension specialists of PAU and state department of Agriculture played a significant role.

Dr Gosal, highlighted that this year the conditions for the development of the dreaded yellow rust disease remained conducive. To protect the crop against the disease, PAU carried out the disease surveys and its centre for communication and international linkages released flash messages through radio, television, newspapers and other means enabling farmers to take up the recommended control measures, wherever needed.

Moreover, the government supplied the recommended fungicide (Tilt) at subsidized rates that helped farmers to control yellow rust timely and effectively.