Office of District Public Relations Officer, Gurdaspur
Gurdaspur,04 July 2025 FACT RECORDER
Punjab Desk: To achieve higher yields from the basmati crop, it is very important to use balanced fertilizers. Generally, farmers use only urea and DAP or superphosphate fertilizers, which disrupt the nutrient balance in the soil, adversely affecting crop yield. For better production of basmati and jasmine rice, both macro and micronutrients should be applied in the required quantity and as per the crop’s needs.
Speaking to farmers about the importance of micronutrients in basmati cultivation, Dr. Amreek Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer, said that the use of high-yielding varieties, limited use of micronutrient-rich and organic fertilizers are the main reasons for micronutrient deficiency in the soil, which must be replenished. He emphasized the need to timely educate farmers about identifying and correcting micronutrient deficiencies to increase basmati crop yield. Zinc and iron deficiencies are most commonly seen in basmati crops.
He explained that zinc is a vital micronutrient that plays an important role in the growth and development of basmati plants, being a component of various enzymes. Symptoms of zinc deficiency appear 2-3 weeks after transplanting basmati seedlings, causing stunted growth and poor root development. Affected plants show leaves that become pale and brownish with a scorched appearance. The midrib color of leaves changes, and eventually, the leaves dry up.
The Chief Agriculture Officer advised that to correct zinc deficiency, farmers should apply 25 kg zinc sulfate heptahydrate (21% zinc) or 16 kg zinc sulfate monohydrate (33% zinc) per acre at the time of transplanting. If deficiency symptoms appear in the standing crop, apply 10 kg zinc sulfate heptahydrate or 6.5 kg zinc sulfate monohydrate per acre in the deficient areas of the field by broadcasting.
Besides zinc, iron deficiency is also common in basmati cultivation. Iron is essential for chlorophyll synthesis in plants, enabling photosynthesis. Dr. Singh added that in sandy soils with water scarcity, about three weeks after transplanting, new leaves often turn yellow, which results in plant death and sometimes total crop failure.
He advised that upon noticing yellowing symptoms, farmers should irrigate the field immediately. Then, at weekly intervals, spray 1% iron solution on the leaves. To prepare this, mix 1 kg ferrous sulfate in 100 liters of water and spray per acre. Two to three sprays will help correct iron deficiency. He further advised that iron should only be applied through foliar spray, not by broadcasting in the field.
The Chief Agriculture Officer appealed to farmers to use balanced fertilizers and replenish nutrient deficiencies timely to achieve higher basmati crop yields.
