Punjab introduces high-yield maize hybrid PMH 17 to boost farmers’ income & conserve water resources

Punjab is set to introduce PMH 17, a high-yield maize hybrid, as a sustainable alternative to water-intensive paddy cultivation.

This dual-purpose variety is ideal for both grain and silage production, supporting groundwater conservation while boosting farmer profitability.

Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian highlighted that PMH 17 can be sown from late May to June-end, with a maturity period of just 96 days. This short growth cycle allows for multiple harvests, increasing productivity and income for farmers.

Director of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Jaswant Singh, who also chairs the State Varietal Approval Committee for Field Crops, emphasized the hybrid’s benefits.

PMH 17 is well-suited for ethanol production due to its high starch content and offers an impressive yield of 25 quintals per acre. Additionally, it exhibits moderate resistance to common pests like fall armyworms and Maydis leaf blight.

The hybrid is characterized by tall plants, broad erect leaves, semi-open tassels, and long, medium-placed ears with flint, yellow-orange capped grains.

Recognizing its potential for enhancing agricultural sustainability, Minister Khudian underscored that PMH 17 would be a valuable addition to Punjab's farming sector.

He directed officials to ensure the timely and widespread distribution of seeds from the next season, enabling farmers to adopt this hybrid and contribute to the state's agricultural progress.