Chandigarh, March 11 -- The Punjab government on Monday announced introduction of a new high-yield maize hybrid, PMH 17, aimed at conserving groundwater while boosting agricultural productivity. The hybrid variety is suitable for both grain and silage production.

Punjab agriculture and farmers welfare minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that this hybrid variety can be sown between the last week of May and the end of June, with a maturity period of 96 days, potentially allowing for multiple harvests in a single growing season.

Senior officials of the department said that PMH 17 is a promising new maize hybrid for Punjab's farmers, suited for ethanol production due to its high starch content. As per the officials, the new hybrid has an av...