Recently, Punjab government announced an incentive of Rs 1,500 per acre for farmers who choose Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) over traditional methods. This initiative was taken considering the need for water conservation in farming practices. In 2021, the state saw 18% (5.62 lakh hectares) of its total rice area under DSR, exceeding the government’s initial target of bringing 10 lakh hectares under this method.
What is Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR)?
Unlike conventional methods involving the transplanting of paddy, DSR involves the direct drilling of pre-germinated seeds into the field with the help of a tractor-powered machine. It eliminates the need for nursery preparation or transplantation which are typically required in traditional practices. Instead, farmers simply level their land and provide one pre-sowing irrigation.
The Need for DSR
Traditional paddy transplanting requires daily watering to ensure submerged conditions for the first three weeks. However, DSR requires its first irrigation only 21 days after sowing (aside from pre-sowing). Data from the Punjab Agriculture Department shows that substantial amounts of water – around 3,600 to 4,125 litres – are needed to grow one kg of rice, depending on the variety. Thus, employing DSR can potentially reduce water usage.
DSR Water Saving Potential
An analysis suggests that DSR technique can help save 15% to 20% water, and in some cases, savings can reach up to 22% to 23%. Conventional methods require 25 to 27 irrigation rounds, while DSR necessitates only 15-18 rounds. If the entire rice crop were to utilise DSR, it could save between 810 to 1,080 billion litres of water annually.
Advantages of DSR
DSR reduces labour shortage problems as it does not require nursery preparation or transplantation. It also offers avenues for groundwater recharge and matures 7-10 days earlier than transplanted crops, providing more time for paddy straw management. Studies indicate that yields could potentially increase by one to two quintals per acre with DSR compared to traditional practices.
Disadvantages and Constraints of DSR
Despite its advantages, DSR is most suitable for medium to heavy textured soils and less effective in light textured soil. Fields that previously grew crops other than rice may encounter more issues related to iron deficiency and weed management. Furthermore, DSR requires laser levelling of fields and simultaneous use of herbicides during sowing and first irrigation.
Rice Cultivation in India
Rice is a staple food for a majority of India’s population and is largely grown as a kharif crop. It thrives in high temperatures, humidity and areas with annual rainfall above 100 cm. In southern states and West Bengal, climatic conditions allow cultivation of two or three rice crops annually. About one-fourth of the total cropped area in India is dedicated to rice cultivation, with West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab being leading producer states. High-yielding states include Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala. Currently, India stands as the second-largest producer of rice globally, after China.
Relevant Examination Questions
The article ends with a few representative questions from previous Civil Services Examinations. These questions assess the candidates’ understanding of the cultivation of Kharif crops in India, including rice. Correct responses illustrate the candidate’s competence in the subject matter.