- Punjab Government imposed a ban on the cultivation of hybrid rice varieties.
- Main concerns: Groundwater conservation and milling inefficiency.
- The move has sparked debate among farmers, millers, and environmentalists.
Background
- Punjab is a major rice-producing state, with 3.2 million hectares under paddy cultivation.
- Hybrid rice accounts for 5–6% of this area.
- Popular hybrid: Pusa-44, known for high yield and short duration.
- Hybrids preferred in saline water zones and low rainfall regions.