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. |
