New variety ‘ll be a value addition to Punjab's agricultural landscape with potential for high yields, ethanol production & disease resistance, says Khudian
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, March 10-
In a significant move to conserve groundwater and provide farmers with a profitable alternative to water-guzzling paddy crop, Punjab is all set to introduce a new high-yield maize hybrid, PMH 17. This dual-purpose hybrid is suitable for both grain and silage production.
Disclosing this here today, Punjab cabinet minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that this hybrid variety can be sown between the last week of May and the end of June, with a maturity period of 96 days. This specific planting window and short maturity time could be beneficial for farmers, potentially allowing for multiple harvests in a single growing season.
The Director of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare department Jaswant Singh, who is also the Chairman of the State varietal approval committee for field crops said that the PMH 17 is a promising new maize hybrid for Punjab's farmers. It's well-suited for ethanol production due to high in starch content, and has an average yield of 25 quintals per acre.