Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has slammed Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa for spreading misinformation among the public with his "half-baked knowledge." Mann criticized Bajwa's statement on PR 126, a type of paddy crop, calling it "irresponsible, baseless, irrational, and misleading".
Mann highlighted the benefits of PR 126, citing experts from Punjab Agricultural University, who say it saves 20-25% of water compared to the long-duration variety Pusa 44. Additionally, PR 126 has a 10% lesser straw load, provides 25-40 more days for residue management, and saves farmers around Rs. 5000 per acre in input costs.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that PR 126 has gained popularity among tech-savvy farmers, with its cultivation area increasing from 13.9% to 45% in the last five years. He further rubbished Bajwa's claims, stating that rice millers have expressed satisfaction with the milling quality of PR 126.
Mann assured that the state government is committed to procuring and lifting the harvest of farmers smoothly and hassle-free. He also warned that farmers are aware of Bajwa's and his party's "dubious character" and won't fall prey to their misleading propaganda.