"This year, the total area under paddy crop in Punjab will reach 26.50 lakh hectares against 26 lakh hectares brought under the crop last year because of higher MSP proposed for this crop," Punjab State Farmers Commission, Economist, P S Rangi said, as paddy plantation in the state is going to commence from tomorrow.
Although the Centre has still not finalised the proposed paddy MSP of Rs 1,000 per quintal for common grade and Rs 1,050 per quintal for Grade -A variety.
However, increase in area under paddy is likely to cut down the area under cotton crop which is also at the sowing stage. The area under cotton is expected to remain at 6 lakh hectares against the target of 6.50 lakh hectares during Kharif season this year.
The Punjab government has asked the farmers not to grow paddy before June 10 in view of depleting water table in the state.
The state had even introduced Punjab Preservation of Subsoil water Ordinance 2008 to prevent the early plantation of paddy in the state, an official said, adding that early variety paddy crop very ploughed at several fields in the state so as to protect groundwater table.