Punjab’s Hybrid Rice Controversy

Punjab’s paddy milling sector faces challenges with hybrid rice varieties like Sava 7501 and 7301, due to concerns about their lower milling outturn ratio (OTR), which rice millers say results in financial losses. While hybrid rice improves yield, issues such as proper moisture management during harvest and potential need for technological upgrades in mills affect milling efficiency. Supported by India’s National Food Security Mission, hybrids are widely adopted globally and show promise, though local skepticism remains. Calls for seed quality and pricing regulation aim to enhance farmer confidence and increase hybrid adoption in Punjab.