The agricultural landscape of northern India, particularly in states like Punjab and Haryana, has long been dominated by the high-yielding Pusa-44 rice variety. However, its long maturation period has inadvertently contributed to the severe issue of stubble burning, which has significant environmental and health repercussions. Enter Pusa-2090, a promising alternative that offers comparable yields but matures earlier, potentially transforming the region’s agricultural practices and environmental health.
Pusa-44, developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), has been a favourite among farmers due to its high yield, averaging 35-36 quintals per acre. However, its growth cycle of 155-160 days means it is typically harvested in late October. This leaves farmers with a narrow window to prepare their fields for the subsequent wheat crop, leading many to resort to stubble burning to clear the fields quickly. This practice releases large amounts of pollutants into the air, contributing to northern India’s severe air quality issues during winter.
Recognizing the need for a solution, IARI developed Pusa-2090, a variety that matures in 120-125 days. This shorter growth cycle allows for harvesting by early to mid-October, providing farmers ample time to prepare their fields for wheat sowing without resorting to burning the stubble. Pusa-2090 maintains the high yield characteristics of Pusa-44, making it an attractive option for farmers who are concerned about both productivity and environmental impact.
Recent reports indicate that Pusa-2090 has been well-received in regions where it has been tested. Farmers have reported promising yield results, comparable to those of Pusa-44. The variety has undergone rigorous testing at the All-India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project and has been identified for cultivation in regions like Delhi and Odisha. The Punjab government has also taken steps to promote Pusa-2090, banning the cultivation of Pusa-44 to encourage the adoption of this more sustainable variety.
In addition to promoting Pusa-2090, several other measures are being explored to address the issue of stubble burning. These include the use of PUSA decomposers, which are fungal strains that help decompose paddy straw quickly, and the Happy Seeder, a tractor-mounted device that cuts and lifts rice straw while simultaneously sowing wheat into the exposed soil. These technologies, combined with the adoption of Pusa-2090, could significantly reduce the incidence of stubble burning.
The introduction of Pusa-2090 represents a significant step forward in addressing the environmental challenges associated with traditional rice cultivation practices in northern India. By offering a high-yielding, early-maturing alternative to Pusa-44, Pusa-2090 provides a viable solution to the problem of stubble burning. As more farmers adopt this variety, we can hope to see a reduction in air pollution and an improvement in the overall health and sustainability of the region’s agricultural practices.
The success of Pusa-2090 will depend on continued support from agricultural institutions, government policies, and the willingness of farmers to embrace change. With these elements in place, Pusa-2090 has the potential to become a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture in India.