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 agricultural official who asked not to be named confirmed the impending shortage. The state’s stockpile of pendimethalin is about 400,000 liters, which is only enough for 150,000 hectares.
Experts in the agricultural sector agreed that pendimethalin must be used within 24 hours after sowing due to the high propagation of weeds in the DSR cultivation method.
The production leader of a herbicide manufacturing company stated that some of the ingredients used in pendimethalin are imported, so the production of this chemical product has been impaired 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 Patiala-based seller 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, the company requires advance payment. 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 improving wheat planters to provide a fast and Inexpensive option. The area cultivated using the DSR method may be much higher than expected by the authorities.
He said: “The government must ensure a sufficient supply of herbicides and avoid inflation and duplication during peak demand periods.”
However, officials from the agriculture department said that farmers must not blindly choose the DSR method.
“Farmers must seek expert guidance before using the DSR method, because the technology requires a different set of 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 advertisements and warnings about do or not, farmers are too enthusiastic about DSR but do not understand the benefits and technical issues.”
Sutantar Singh, director of the State Department of Agriculture, said that the ministry maintains contact with herbicide production companies and farmers will not face a shortage of pentamethylene forests.
He said: “Any pesticides or herbicides that ing builds will strictly deal with price increases and repetitive problems.”