Punjab Rewards 17K Farmers, Provides Incentives of Rs 1,500 per Acre for DSR Adoption

The Punjab government is actively promoting Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), an innovative agricultural technique that provides higher yields while conserving precious water and reducing labor. This modern approach involves sowing rice seeds directly into the field, eliminating the need for transplanting seedlings grown in a separate nursery.

The benefits of DSR are numerous and far-reaching. By eliminating the water-guzzling practice of continuous flooding, it significantly reduces water consumption, a crucial factor in drought-prone regions. This not only conserves this precious resource but also mitigates the environmental impact of rice farming by lowering methane emissions associated with flooded paddies.

Compared to the traditional method of transplanting, it drastically reduces labor requirements, freeing up valuable time and manpower. Additionally, it can potentially boost crop yields through improved plant establishment and reduced seedling mortality.

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Punjab farmers are adapting to this change with enthusiasm. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare in Punjab, disclosed that 19,114 farmers registered over 1.72 lakh acres on the DSR portal for the agricultural year 2023-24.

Recognizing the positive impact of this shift, the AAP government has provided a financial incentive of Rs 1,500 per acre for those adopting DSR. And recently, it disbursed Rs 19.83 crore to eligible farmers, marking a 98.8% completion of payments, with the remaining amount set to be transferred soon, as stated by Khudian. This also demonstrates its trust and determination to promote this sustainable technique.

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While transitioning to DSR comes with challenges, such as weed management and pest control, farmers can overcome these hurdles through integrated strategies. Utilizing herbicides, cover crops, and mechanical weeding can effectively manage weeds, while pest-resistant rice varieties and proper irrigation techniques can minimize pest damage.

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