The Punjab government is set to provide Rs 1,500 per acre in financial help to any farmer who opts for direct rice seeding in the forthcoming Kharif season. Farmers will be weaned away from paddy transplanting, which is harmful to the environment, and a groundwater guzzler.
From May 20, farmers have been allowed to go in for direct seeding. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made the statement.
Farmers' labour troubles would be alleviated by using the direct seeding technique ahead of each paddy season. Because transplantation labour is becoming more costly, farmers might save money by using DSR.
It's worth noting that paddy transplantation doesn't start until June. Environmental experts have been warning against paddy cultivation for the past couple of years since several regions in Punjab have seen a dramatic drop in groundwater levels. Paddy cultivation is rapidly depleting groundwater levels.
According to a statement released by the Government of India in Parliament earlier this year, 117 blocks in the state are classified as "over exploited."
Paddy cultivation using the transplantation technique is lowering the water level in Punjab. Farmers expressed a strong desire to use the direct seeding technique last year, and 15.02 lakh acres were planted in this manner. With the offer of financial help this year, the administration is hoping to double the area under direct seeded rice.
Mann urged farmers to persuade their family and friends to adopt DSR after learning of the government's plan to grant financial assistance. "The majority of districts are in the red zone because the underground water level is fast falling," he added.
Merits of Direct Seeded Rice
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Saving of water as nursery raising, puddling, seepage, and percolation are eliminated.
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Early maturity (7-10 days) helps in timely management of paddy straw, hence timely sowing of succeeding crops.
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Soil structure is not disturbed as it prevents formation of hard pan just beneath the plough layer in direct seeded rice as occurs in a puddled transplanted system.
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Labour required for nursery raising, uprooting and transplanting of seedlings are saved.
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Cost of cultivation is reduced.
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Reduction in methane emission and global warming potential.
