Punjab Reports 44 Percent Increase in Area Under DSR Paddy
08 August 2024, Ludhiana: Punjab has reported 2.48 lakh acres under direct-seeded rice in the current Kharif season. The pace of adoption has impressed the scientific community and has reinstated confidence. Direct-seeded rice (DSR) has the potential to significantly reduce water usage, cut methane emissions, minimize soil erosion, lower manual labor requirements, and improve crop residue management in India. This method is both effective and sustainable for rice cultivation in the country.
Dr Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), while chairing the monthly research and extension review meeting at the campus said. “It is encouraging to see an increase of 44 percent in the area (2.48 lakh acres) under Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) in 2024 compared to last year (1.72 lakh acres)”.
Depleting Groundwater Levels
As India’s primary food grain and a staple for its 1.4 billion people, rice is grown across various agro-climatic zones. However, it also contributes to 50 percent of crop-related methane emissions and about 40 percent of agricultural water use. This heavy demand leads to depleting groundwater levels, soil degradation from water runoff, and increased manual labor in traditional and transplanted rice farming methods.
Dr. Bhullar expressed satisfaction that farmers were made aware of the late transplanting of paddy and water-saving technologies through various training programs.
He also commended the clean green drive initiatives undertaken by the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Farm Advisory Service Centres (FASCs), emphasizing the need for increased green cover to combat the adverse effects of weather changes. He praised the ongoing efforts of extension scientists in this direction. He stressed the importance of conducting regular surveillance and issuing timely agro-advisories for managing fall armyworm in maize and whitefly in summer moong. He expressed satisfaction with the actions taken by KVKs.
Introducing Surface Seedling Technology
The Director of Extension highlighted the need for strategic cultivation practices, advocating for the replacement of spring maize with spring groundnut and the cultivation of Gobhi Sarson under Surface Seeding technology. He also promoted the cultivation of French beans and applauded KVK Sangrur for its successful sale of literature, encouraging others to follow suit. Dr Bhullar expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of KVK and FASC news in newspapers and on the PAU website. He also praised the sale of Nutri-products to dairy farmers, aimed at reducing malnutrition in dairy animals. Additionally, he commended the production and circulation of a video on mat-type nursery seeders and mechanical transplanting on social media platforms by the Additional Director of Communication Centre (ADCC).
Dr Gursahib Singh Manes, Additional Director of Research, addressed strategies for controlling the southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus in rice. He called for intensive soil sampling from surface-seeded wheat fields, the evaluation of weedicide performance through On-Farm Trials (OFTs), and continued efforts towards cultivating Kulth (Horsegram) and Mothbean. Dr Manes also emphasized the importance of herbicide management in maize crops, paddy transplanting without puddling, and the sowing of Tar-water direct-seeded rice without preparatory tillage.
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