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In response to stubble burning challenge, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has developed Pusa-2090, an improved version of Pusa-44, offering similar yields but with a shorter maturity period.

About Pusa-2090

Development: Pusa-2090 was created by IARI through a cross between Pusa-44 and CB-501, an early-maturing Japonica rice line distinguished by its stronger stems and increased grain yield.

Benefits: Pusa-2090 solves the stubble-burning problem by maturing in just 120–125 days while providing the same excellent yields as Pusa–44.

Field Testing: Farmers in Punjab have reported encouraging results from the variety’s successful trials in Delhi and Odisha.

Economic Benefits: Pusa-2090 is a desirable choice for farmers because it has the ability to equal Pusa-44’s yields in a shorter amount of time.

Replacing Pusa-44

Punjab has planted 5.48 lakh hectares of Pusa-44 in the current kharif season, making up more than 17% of the state’s total rice area.

Long Maturation Period: It takes Pusa-44 155– 160 days to mature, which causes a delay in the fields’ availability for the following wheat crop.

Stubble Burning: After harvesting Pusa-44, farmers often burn the residual stubble to prepare fields for the following crop, which pollutes the air.

Other Varieties: PR-126 is one alternate variety that has a faster maturity period than Pusa-44, but its yields are lower, which affects farmers’ revenue.