Not many farmers opting for certified wheat seed

Bathinda, September 18
Certified wheat seed is yet catch the fancy of a majority of farmers in Punjab, as per the data put forth by the Joint Director Agriculture-cum-Director, Punjab State Seed Certification Authority, Dr Gursewak Singh Sandhu.

Speaking to The Tribune on the sidelines of a Kisan Mela organised by the Agriculture Department, Dr Sandhu said the department had certified seed available for 7 lakh hectares. Wheat is expected to be sown on 35 lakh hectares of land after the paddy harvest.

Asked the reason behind the shortfall of certified seed, he said, "A majority of farmers are unaware about the benefits of certified seed. Most of them use stored granules of their last season's crop as seed. Though we have not imposed any ban on the sowing of any kind of wheat seed, farmers must be aware that certified seed is more beneficial."

Dr Sandhu said there was not much difference between the prices of both kinds of seed. "The certified seed is less prone to diseases. The yield may almost be the same, but the certified category saves expenses that have to be incurred on chemicals. They must understand its value and opt for it," he suggested. He said the department was holding awareness camps to promote the seed.

Also, he said at 236 kg per hectare, the average consumption of fertilisers in Punjab was the highest in the country. He advised the farmers to use fertilisers judiciously.

NEW IS GOLD!

• Certified seed is less prone to diseases as compared to the conventional stored seed granules.
• Though the yield may be the same, it will save the farmers the cost of using chemicals.
• Of the estimated 35 lakh hectares, certified seed likely to be sown on 7 lakh hectares.