Source and seed replacement rate of pea seed in Punjab

Abstract

The study was conducted to examine the status of pea production in Punjab, the source and use pattern of quality seeds, seed replacement rate (SSR) and various constraints faced by pea growers in Punjab state during 2020-21. A multistage purposive cum random sampling technique was used for the study. The area under pea crop has increased in Punjab with a compound annual growth rate of 3.58 and 10.90%, respectively, during the period 2001-02 to 2020-21. Around 92% of farmers procured pea seed from private dealers, whereas 8% procured it from PAU. In the research area, the seed replacement rate for certified seed for pea crops was 72.09% for large farmers, followed by 65.14% for medium farmers and 46.05% for small farmers respectively. The monopoly of private players in the sale and production of pea seed, adulteration by private dealers and fluctuations in pea seed prices were found as major constraints confronted by the growers.