India: Karnal farmers defy government orders and begin paddy transplantation

Farmers in numerous Karnal villages have begun transplanting rice, despite government restrictions prohibiting growing the water-intensive crop before June 15. According to reports, farmers in Samora, Ramba, Salaru, Sangoha, Sangohi, Darar, Churni, and Bibipur villages of Indri block in district were spotted pumping off groundwater and flooding their fields due to a lack of action by authorities. Farmers explained that they were breaking government orders because they were sowing the PB 1509 Basmati variety, which takes just three months to harvest and allows them to produce vegetables. They may thus grow three to four crops every year. The Haryana Preservation of Subsoil Water Act was also violated by these farmers by building nursery beds before May 15, exposing incompetence on the part of ground-level officials. The saplings are suitable for transplanting after 25 to 30 days in the nursery. Growers take advantage of a loophole in the law that allows for a fine of Rs 10,000 per ...