Paddy varieties PR 121 and PR 124 shown excellent results: PAU VC

Ludhiana, December 29, 2015: Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), while addressing the press conference on the campus today, said the paddy varieties PR 121 and PR 124, developed/recommended by the University, have shown excellent results in the fields. Moreover, the area under these varieties has increased in the Punjab state, he added. Even the sugarcane variety CoPb 91 has shown very good performance, he highlighted. PAU has also recommended bio-fertilizers for eight crops, he added. Elaborating, Dr Dhillon said farmers would be able to go for two new varieties PAU Kinnow 1 and PAU Kinnow 2 in 2016, he disclosed.

Dr Dhillon also revealed, “The seed production at PAU has seen a jump from 50,000 quintals to 66,000 quintals. The nursery production has increased from 1.5 lakh to 4.45 lakh.” He further highlighted, “PAU has inked agreement with Delhi University to develop transgenic cotton varieties and Maharashtra State Seeds Corporation Limited (MSSCL), Akola, Maharashtra for the seed production of PAU developed maize hybrid PMH -1.”

Referring to research programmes, Dr Dhillon said the University is actively working on the development of early maturing varieties. In addition, focus is on the development of new technologies for insect-pest and disease management and paddy straw management, he told. To curb whitefly menace, the University would be working in cooperation with National Botanical Research Institute, New Delhi.

On the occasion, PAU also highlighted Happy Seeder technology for paddy straw management.

Dr Dhillon also thanked the media for their constant cooperation and good coverage to PAU developed crop varieties, farm technologies and other achievements. He also extended his greetings for New Year 2016.