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Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) in Punjab


Why is it in the news?

  • The Punjab government has actively promoted the direct seeding of rice (DSR), also known as the ‘tar-wattar’ technique, as it offers various advantages over traditional methods.
  • Despite the government’s efforts and incentives, such as providing Rs 1,500 per acre, the widespread adoption of DSR in Punjab remains limited.

Factors Hindering the Adoption of DSR

Limited Implementation:

  • Only 1.73 lakh acres out of 79 lakh acres under paddy cultivation in Punjab utilized DSR last year.
  • The target of bringing 7 lakh acres under DSR this year falls short of covering even 10% of Punjab’s total rice acreage.

Soil Suitability:

  • It is essential for successful implementation of DSR.
  • Light-textured soils are unsuitable for DSR as they require frequent irrigation, negating water-saving benefits.

Labour and Water Intensive Traditional Methods:

  • Traditional rice farming practices are labour and water-intensive, demanding substantial amounts of water and manual effort.
  • DSR, on the other hand, requires less labour, reduces water usage by 15% to 20%, and matures faster.

Lack of Awareness and Education:

  • Many farmers may not be aware of the benefits and proper implementation of DSR.
  • Education and awareness programs could help in increasing adoption rates.
About Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR)

·        DSR eliminates the need for nursery preparations and transplantation.

·        Paddy seeds are sown directly using techniques like seed drills or lucky seeders.

·        Proper soil texture is crucial, with heavy or medium-to-heavy-textured soils being more suitable.

·        Seed treatment, timely irrigation, and soil quality are critical factors for successful DSR implementation.

Subject:

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