'Cultivation of new variety of paddy proves profitable'

Karnal, Oct 11. Cultivation of new variety of paddy namely Pusa Basmati-1509 has proved very profitable to the farmers of Haryana as yield of this variety, which is 20 to 22 quintals per acre could fetch the farmers Rs 75,000, a Haryana Agriculture Department spokesman said today. Apart from being high yielding, it is also a short duration variety and takes less time in cultivation, he said, adding that PUSA 1509 variety has become immensely popular among the farmers due to its high yield as compared to Pusa-1121. The agriculture scientists are of the view this variety would replace the Pusa-1121 variety of Basmati as it is an improved version. District Karnal is famous in the entire country for its basmati production. The basmati produced in Karnal also has high demand in Europe, he said and added that the Anaj Mandi of Taraori is considered to be a big mandi of basmati. He said that the arrival of Pusa-1509 variety of paddy has already started in this mandi. Farmers have got up to Rs 3,800 per quintal and 20 to 22 quintals per acre is being produced. The farmers have been getting up to Rs 75,000 for their yield. The procurement is being carried out by different agencies in various mandis of the district. He said that according to the experts, PUSA 1509 is very aromatic and long grained; hence have a great demand in foreign countries. It could be marketed in Arab countries, the US, the Europe and other countries and would get best prices in world market, he added. Giving details of the Pusa-1509, the spokesman said that after sowing, this variety is ready for harvesting in 85 to 90 days. He said that the right time for sowing this variety is from July 20-25. During the current season, this variety of paddy has been sown in about 50,000 hectares of land in various regions, including Haryana and Punjab. About 200 quintal seeds have been given to farmers this year and next year more area would be covered under it, he added.