A delegation of the Punjab Rice Industry Association met the 21-member parliamentary standing committee on agriculture, animal husbandry, and food processing on Thursday. The committee was led by former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi.
Key Concerns Raised
Association President Bharat Bhushan Binta and Vice-President Ranjit Singh Jossan highlighted the increasing cultivation of hybrid paddy in Punjab. They noted that last year, the Punjab government attempted to impose restrictions on certain hybrid varieties, but the move was later stayed by the court.
Issues with Hybrid Varieties
Binta claimed that many hybrid varieties produce 40% to 50% broken rice during milling. However, the Food Corporation of India permits only 25% broken rice in the central pool. This contradiction is causing substantial financial losses to millers, he said.
Need for Commercial-Scale Milling
Jossan added that the Punjab Agricultural University and other research institutions primarily focus on yield, disease resistance, and farmers' income while developing new varieties. However, the need of the hour is that every new variety should undergo commercial-scale milling before being recommended.
