Use improved seeds of recommended varieties for sowing in Kharif season for better yield and returns

Ludhiana, April 23, 2018: The experts of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have called upon the farmers of Punjab to use improved seeds of recommended varieties for sowing in the Kharif season for better yield and returns. Dr T.S. Dhillon, Associate Director of Seeds, PAU, said, “Improved seed is a pre-requisite for good agricultural production as its quality affects the yield of the crop. Having resistance to various diseases and weeds, it enhances the production by 15-20 per cent.” For the Kharif season, the University has produced improved seeds of several crop varieties which can be purchased by the farmers from its Regional Research Stations (RRRs), Seed Farms, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Farm Advisory Service Centres (FASCs), located in different districts of Punjab, he informed. The seeds of newly developed rice variety PR 127 which is high yielding and medium maturing (matures in 137 days), and PR 126 (rice variety) which matures in 123 days, are available at all the centres of PAU, he said. Both the varieties are resistant to leaf blight, are less water consuming and give an average yield of 30-31 quintals per acre, he observed. Apart from this, seeds of varieties, namely PR 124, PR 123, PR 122, PR 121, PR 114, Pusa Basmati 1121 and other crops are also being sold at all the Seed Sale Shops of PAU, he said. “The seed of moong variety SML 668 can also be purchased from these centres; its sowing after wheat harvesting can give economic benefits to the farmers. The variety also improves soil health and can be used for green manure, the effect of which is visible in the next crop,” he said. The Seed Sale Shops of PAU are open an all the seven days.