Chandigarh, (PTI): Paddy output in Haryana fell almost 11 per cent at 48 lakh tonnes in the kharif season 2008-09, as insects dampened expectations of bumper crop, while Punjab was helped by increase in acreage, which helped it record a six per cent jump in production.

Haryana hoped to achieve a paddy output of 60 lakh tonnes in Kharif 2008-09, as acreage increased this year to 11.79 lakh hectares from 10.75 lakh hectares in 2007-08.

In Punjab, which is also a major contributor of rice to the central pool, paddy output stood at 166 lakh tonnes this year against last season's output of 156.55 lakh tonnes.

"Because of the attack of insect white backed plant hopper and neck blast disease in the month of October this year, the paddy crop mainly PUSA 1121 varieties were adversely affected, resulting in overall fall in output," said a senior official of Haryana Agriculture Department.

Insects caused extensive damage to the paddy crop in several growing areas such as Rohtak, Jhajjar, Karnal, Sonepat and Panipat.

"Because of the substantial damage to the paddy, the rice production of Haryana has also dipped to 32.31 lakh tonnes in 2008-09, against 36.13 lakh tonnes in 2007-08. Moreover, the yield of crop has also plummeted to 27.14 quintals per hectare from 33.61 quintals per hectare during last year," he said.

"The production of paddy has surged mainly due to significant jump in area under cultivation this year and sowing of hybrid varieties," said an official of Punjab Agriculture Department.

Punjab this year brought total area of 27.50 lakh hectares under paddy against 26.10 lakh hectares during last year, recording a jump of 1.40 lakh hectares in area.

Paddy yield in Punjab has also marginally improved to 40.50 quintals per hectare against 40.19 quintals per hectare.

Both Punjab and Haryana brought 2 lakh hectares each under PUSA 1121 variety cultivation which is known for giving higher yield as well good prices to the farmers, said experts.