Punjab Push: De-notification of Hybrid Paddy Seeds on the Horizon

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has requested the Union Agriculture Minister's intervention for de-notifying certain hybrid paddy seeds, vital for smooth procurement operations. During a Delhi meeting, Mann emphasized crop diversification and groundwater conservation, securing assurances for uninterrupted fertilizer supply and representation in the Central Seed Committee.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has urged Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to de-notify certain hybrid paddy seeds, aiming to streamline procurement during the upcoming Kharif season. The meeting in Delhi also saw discussions on uninterrupted fertilizer supply and Punjab's representation in the Central Seed Committee.

Highlighting Punjab's contribution to India's food supply, Mann called for measures to address grain breakage issues in certain paddy hybrids. Additionally, he emphasized wheat seed subsidy allocation for 2026-27 and the promotion of crop diversification to reduce reliance on paddy, aiming to preserve groundwater levels.

Union Minister Chouhan responded positively, promising a special committee to examine procurement issues and highlighting the need for paddy-alternative farming to combat water scarcity. Mann stressed the importance of Punjab's role in achieving national food security, advocating for substantial support from central agricultural reforms.