Direct-Seeded Rice Cultivation: Punjab Leads the Way in Eco-Friendly Farming

Punjab has reported a significant 44% increase in the area under direct-seeded rice (DSR) cultivation, reaching 2.48 lakh acres in the current Kharif season, compared to 1.72 lakh acres last year. This rise has garnered attention from the scientific community and reaffirmed the method’s potential for sustainable rice farming. Direct-seeded rice offers numerous benefits, including reduced water usage, lower methane emissions, minimized soil erosion, decreased labour requirements, and improved crop residue management.

Addressing Groundwater Depletion

Rice, a staple food for India’s 1.4 billion people, is crucial to the nation’s food security. However, traditional rice cultivation methods have led to significant environmental challenges, including the depletion of groundwater levels, soil degradation, and high methane emissions, which account for 50% of crop-related emissions and 40% of agricultural water use. The shift towards DSR is seen as a positive step in mitigating these issues. Dr. Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), highlighted the importance of this transition during a recent research and extension review meeting.

Strategic Initiatives and Farmer Awareness

Dr. Bhullar expressed satisfaction with the increased awareness among farmers regarding late paddy transplanting and water-saving technologies. He also praised the clean green drive initiatives by Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Farm Advisory Service Centres (FASCs), emphasizing the need for enhancing green cover to combat climate change. The introduction of surface seeding technology and the promotion of strategic cultivation practices, such as replacing spring maize with groundnut and cultivating Gobhi Sarson, are part of PAU’s efforts to improve agricultural sustainability.

Ongoing Research and Agro-Advisories

In addition to promoting sustainable practices, Dr. Bhullar stressed the importance of regular surveillance and timely agro-advisories to manage pests like the fall armyworm in maize and whitefly in summer moong. He commended the efforts of KVKs and FASCs in this regard. Dr. Gursahib Singh Manes, Additional Director of Research, discussed strategies for controlling the southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus and emphasized the need for intensive soil sampling, weedicide performance evaluation, and the promotion of alternative crops like Kulth (Horsegram) and Mothbean.

Embracing Innovation and Technology

The success of DSR in Punjab represents a crucial step towards sustainable agriculture, reducing the environmental impact of rice cultivation while ensuring food security. The state’s adoption of this method could serve as a model for other regions, demonstrating the benefits of integrating innovation and technology in farming practices. As the scientific community continues to explore and refine these methods, Punjab’s agricultural landscape is poised for a more sustainable and productive future.

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