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Punjab government recently announced to ban “PUSA-44” due to groundwater depletion. It is a variety of which of the following crops? 
  • a)
     Wheat
  • b)
     Paddy 
  • c)
     Groundnut
  • d)
     Maize
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Punjab government recently announced to ban “PUSA-44” due ...
PUSA-44 is a Paddy Variety developed in 1993 by the Delhi-based Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
  • By the end of 2010s, it had gained widespread popularity among farmers across the Punjab, covering approximately 70 to 80% of the area under paddy cultivation.
  • But by 2018, the Punjab government reduced the area under PUSA-44 to 18 percent of the total area under paddy.
The reason being, PUSA-44 is a long-duration variety, taking around 160 days to mature. This is around 35 to 40 days more than other varieties, requiring 5-6 extra cycles of irrigation, leading to groundwater depletion.
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Most Upvoted Answer
Punjab government recently announced to ban “PUSA-44” due ...
Background:
PUSA-44 is a variety of paddy that has been banned by the Punjab government due to concerns regarding groundwater depletion.

Reason for Ban:
The Punjab government has taken this step to address the issue of declining groundwater levels in the state. PUSA-44 is known to be a water-intensive crop, requiring a significant amount of water for cultivation. By banning this variety, the government aims to reduce water consumption in agriculture and promote sustainable farming practices.

Impact on Farmers:
Farmers who have been cultivating PUSA-44 may face challenges in transitioning to other varieties of paddy or diversifying their crops. The government may need to provide support to help farmers adapt to this change and explore alternative crops that are less water-intensive.

Environmental Concerns:
The overexploitation of groundwater for agriculture has led to environmental issues such as depletion of aquifers, land subsidence, and deterioration of water quality. Banning water-intensive crops like PUSA-44 is a step towards addressing these concerns and promoting water conservation in the state.
In conclusion, the ban on PUSA-44 by the Punjab government is a significant move towards sustainable agriculture and conservation of groundwater resources in the state. It highlights the importance of balancing agricultural production with environmental preservation for the long-term well-being of the region.
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Punjab government recently announced to ban “PUSA-44” due to groundwater depletion. It isa variety of which of the following crops?a)Wheatb)Paddyc)Groundnutd)MaizeCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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