The Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) method, also known as the ‘broadcasting seed technique’, is a water-saving mode of paddy cultivation. Unlike the traditional water-intensive transplanting process from a paddy nursery to waterlogged fields, this technique directly drills seeds into the farmland, thus conserving groundwater.
The Advantages and Benefits of Direct Seeded Rice
The DSR method presents several benefits. Firstly, it requires fewer workers and can help solve labor shortage issues prevalent in many agriculture-based regions. It eradicates the need for a paddy nursery and the transplantation of month-old paddy nursery plants into the main field.
Moreover, DSR promotes groundwater recharge by preventing the formation of a hard crust beneath the plough layer which often occurs due to puddled transplanting. Crops grown with this method mature 7-10 days earlier than the puddle transplanted ones, allowing more time for managing paddy straw.
Another advantage is the potential increase in yield levels. According to research trials and farmers’ surveys, the yield through the DSR technique is one to two quintals per acre higher than the results from puddled transplanted rice.
Challenges and Issues Related to Direct Seeded Rice
Despite its numerous benefits, farmers face several challenges in implementing the DSR method. Extreme weather conditions, including high temperatures and deficient rainfall, are significant deterrents. A good number of farmers are hesitant to choose DSR after their wheat crops suffered due to heat waves.
Hesitation among farmers is also due to the absence of governmental support in providing a good variety of weeds and an uninterrupted electricity supply during the DSR sowing season, which makes irrigating the fields via electric motor a daunting task.
Another challenge lies in the governance issues, specifically related to the electricity supply during the puddling season (mid-June). This electricity supply does not coincide with the DSR sowing season, hence benefiting the traditional method more.
Other obstacles include closed canals, erratic electricity for running tube wells for irrigation, and consistent issues with weeds and rodents. Lack of rainfall in many parts of Punjab during May also posed a significant challenge to water availability.
Future Prospects and Desired Actions
Looking ahead, a strong feedback and grievance redressal program from the government can be beneficial. Enhancing weed management could improve harvest rates in the DSR method. Similarly, leveraging technology and promoting innovative solutions to encourage the DSR method can be an excellent way forward. It consumes less water than the traditional mechanism and can help tackle water stress and groundwater depletion in various regions.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question
The previous year’s UPSC Civil Services Examination question was, “What is/are the advantage/advantages of zero tillage in agriculture? (2020)”. Zero Tillage, or no-till farming, only disturbs the soil along the slit or hole where seeds are planted. The residues from previous crops cover and protect the seedbed. As per a study, implementing no-till farming can reduce air pollution, improve soil productivity and increase the farmers’ profits. Thus, it’s beneficial for both the farmers and the larger society. Therefore, the correct answer to the question was option (d).