Experts at Kisan Mela warn farmers against fake hybrid seeds
Experts from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have urged farmers to remain cautious of individuals selling hybrid and counterfeit seeds. The warning was issued during the Kisan Mela at Rauni village, following a controversy surrounding an unauthorised hybrid variety of PR 126 rice that caused significant losses to farmers and millers last year.
The row had erupted when a hybrid version of PR 126, a short-duration rice variety, was marketed as an improved strain and sold at an exorbitant price of Rs 3,500 per kg—significantly higher than the authentic PR 126 variety, which costs only Rs 56 per kg.
However, farmers who cultivated the hybrid faced substantial losses as rice sheller owners refused to lift the crop due to its high percentage of grain breakage during milling. It also impacted the rice shellers, as government agencies declined to procure the low-quality crop.
Speaking at the event, PAU Vice-Chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal clarified that the university had never released or approved any hybrid variant of PR 126.
“First, there is nothing called a hybrid PR 126. The PR 126 variety was officially approved eight years ago and has shown consistent performance. The problem arose in the last two seasons when certain seed dealers misled farmers by falsely marketing hybrid and spurious seeds. We urge farmer not to fall in the trap and only buy PAU recommended seeds,” he said.
In response to the issue, PAU experts recommended PR 132, a newly developed short-duration paddy variety. Additional Director of Research, Ajmer Singh Dhatt, highlighted the benefits of PR 132, emphasising that it requires nearly half the amount of fertilizer compared to other varieties, thereby conserving water while providing a high yield and reducing input costs for farmers.
Farmers attending the Kisan Mela showed keen interest in PAU-recommended seeds, with many from Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan queuing at the seed distribution centers.
Besides, given the declining water table in the region, several farmers were seen exploring advanced pump sets to address irrigation challenges. The water pumping companies and auto-switch gear companies witnessed huge rush of farmers enquiring about the products.
Punjab Farmer Commission chairperson Sukhpal also addressed the gathering, announcing that a new agricultural policy has been submitted to the state government for implementation. The policy includes provisions for crop and livestock insurance, as well as recommendations tailored for different regions, including the Kandi area, Central Punjab, and Western Punjab.
He further urged farmers to strengthen the cooperative movement and disregard negative narratives portraying farming as unviable, adding, “Farmers should take pride in their profession and not be discouraged by misleading claims. Agriculture remains a crucial pillar of our economy.”
Enthusiastic participation
The mela was held in the backdrop of police action of evicting farmers at Shambhu and Khanauri, both of which fall in the district. The authorities were worried of a low turnout amid possible boycott by farmers. However, a huge number of farmers thronged the mela to purchase seeds, fruit pants, farm equipment and attended the expert talks.
