Due to the severe labor shortage in the state, as farmers switch to direct seeding rice (DSR) planting, Punjab must stock pre-emergence herbicides (such as chrysanthemum).
The authorities predict that the land area under DSR will increase six times this year, reaching approximately 3-3.5 billion hectares. In 2019, farmers only planted 50,000 hectares through the DSR method.
A senior official in the agricultural department who asked not to be named confirmed the imminent shortage. The state has approximately 400,000 liters of pendimethalin, which is only enough for 150,000 hectares.
Experts in the agricultural sector agreed that due to the high growth of weeds in DSR cultivation, pendimethalin must be used within 24 hours after sowing.
The production leader of a herbicide manufacturing company stated that some of the ingredients used in pendimethalin were imported, so the production of the chemical product was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He added: “Furthermore, no one expected the demand for pendimethalin to increase to this level in the first few months of this year.”
Balwinder Kapoor, a seller in Patiala who owns the chemical’s inventory, said: “Retailers have not placed large orders because if farmers find this method too difficult, the product may not be sold. The company is also cautious about mass production of the chemical. Attitude. This uncertainty is hindering production and supply.”
“Now, companies require advance payments. Previously, they would allow a 90-day credit period. Retailers lack cash and uncertainty is imminent, so they refuse to place orders,” Kapoor said.
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Rajwal State Secretary of State Onkar Singh Agaul said: “Due to lack of labor, farmers have enthusiastically adopted the DSR method. Farmers and the local farming industry are transforming wheat planters to provide a fast and Cheap option. The area planted using the DSR method may be much higher than the authorities expected.
He said: “The government must ensure a sufficient supply of herbicides and avoid inflation and duplication during peak demand periods.”
However, officials from the agricultural department said that farmers must not blindly choose DSR methods.
“Farmers must seek expert guidance before using the DSR method, because the technology requires different skills, including choosing the right land, using herbicides wisely, planting time and watering methods,” the Ministry of Agriculture official warned.
SS Walia, Chief Agricultural Officer of Patiala, said: “Despite the adverts and warnings about do and don’t do it, farmers are too enthusiastic about DSR but do not understand the benefits and technical issues.”
State Department of Agriculture Director Sutantar Singh (Sutantar Singh) said that the ministry maintains contact with herbicide production companies and farmers will not face a shortage of pentamethylene forest.
He said: “Any pesticides or herbicides in ing, will strictly deal with price increases and repetitive problems.”