The Punjab Agriculture Department has stopped the sale of paddy varieties PR-131 and PR-132 following complaints by farmers about crop losses due to dwarf disease.A new variety (PR-133) has been introduced for the upcoming paddy season.The decision follows protests by farmers who alleged that the two varieties were affected by the southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus during the 2025 season, causing severe damage to crops.Sources at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) said the controversial varieties were not offered for sale at the Kisan Mela held at Ballowal Saunkhri in SBS Nagar district after farmers raised objections at the Rauni mela in Patiala earlier. Farmers showed strong interest in PR-126, an established paddy variety developed by PAU, while the newly introduced PR-133 received limited response at the mela.


