Bhatinda/Malwa (Punjab), June 13 : Anticipating a higher minimum support price for paddy, farmers in Bhatinda in Punjab are likely to switch over to paddy cultivation in place of cotton this summer season.
The farmers said that they are expecting a rise in the minimum support price of paddy, a decision that Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar is likely to take before the sowing season begins.
A similar announcement for wheat in winter led to its all time high production in the country.
Apart from the minimum support price, the farmers feel that paddy, as compared to cotton, requires less maintenance.