Punjab sets target of sowing paddy in 5 lakh acres of land through DSR method

Tags: State News

The Punjab government recently has set a target of five lakh acres to be sown under direct seeded rice (DSR) method of paddy cultivation this kharif season.

An overview of the news

• The DSR target for this season is 2.5 times more than the previous season (2.12 lakh acres).

• The state government has identified varieties suitable for different agro-climatic zones of the state and made arrangements for their availability to the farmers.

• To encourage farmers to adopt the DSR method, the government has provided subsidy on seed drill, herbicides and weedicides.

• The state government has engaged experts from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Agriculture Department to provide technical guidance and monitoring to the farmers.

What is the Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) method?

• Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), also known as the 'broadcasting seed technique', is a water-saving method of sowing paddy in agriculture.

• In DSR, the paddy seeds are directly drilled into the fields, eliminating the need for transplanting rice seedlings from a nursery to waterlogged fields.

• This technique helps in conserving groundwater compared to the traditional method, which requires extensive water for maintaining waterlogged conditions.

Advantages of DSR Method

• DSR offers several advantages, such as reduced water consumption, labor, and time required for transplanting.

• The technique also minimizes weed growth, as the direct seeding method provides less opportunity for weed establishment.

• Implementing DSR requires adequate knowledge and skills in seed selection, sowing depth, and timing to achieve optimal results.

• DSR contributes to sustainable agriculture by reducing water usage, conserving natural resources, and improving overall crop productivity.