Why did rice farmers in Punjab survive with DSR technology, 3 reasons
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Man has appealed to the dairy farmers to receive direct seeds, that is, DSR technology. He said it would be effective in preventing groundwater from declining. At the same time, experts say the government will face some difficulties in this goal. Man said his government has launched a wide variety of programs for the benefit of the farmers. According to these programs, the state government has promoted the DSR technology of paddy cultivation. The seeds were started under this scheme on Thursday.
There are challenges before the government
According to the Punjab CM Man, his government aims to bring five lakh acres of land under DSR technology this kharif season. DSR technology is considered water -saving technology. The Punjab government is facing a tough challenge in reaching the rising rice target in the Straight Rice Seeds (DSR). The state government is promoting Rs 1,500 per acre to farmers planted under DSR technology.
Farmers hesitated for these reasons
Earlier, due to low understanding of DSR and rot control strategies with climate change and weeds, DSR in Punjab has been survived by a large number of DSR in Punjab. DSR uses 15 to 20 percent less water than traditional exchange method for rice cultivation. Apart from this, it also takes less effort. According to a media report, in 2024, a total of 2.53 lakh acres were cultivated under DSR. In the year 2023, this number is 1.7 lakh.
Rumors spread on social media
Rumors spreading on social media have also caused difficulties in accepting DSR. At the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), an expert said that there are many similar arguments among farmers in the Malwa area, which are completely baseless. In these arguments, the wrong facts have gone somewhere that crops grown by using DSR technology are especially exposed to fungal attacks.
Farmers get financial assistance
In the year 2022-23, under DSR Technology, farmers’ registration ‘Direct Seeds Promotion’ Scheme ‘Scheme’ was found in the promotion of rice seeds. In the first year, 35,836 farmers received it and in the year 2023-24, the number declined to 19,223. Then there was a slight improvement in 2024-25 and it increased to 24,454. In these three sessions, the financial assistance provided by the government is Rs.25.23 crore, Rs.19.91 crores and Rs.29.02 crore.
The government is running the camps
Ludhiana Chief Agriculture Officer Gurdeep Singh Johal told India’s newspaper Times of India that the Agriculture Department is running the camps. He said the districts have set targets. Ludhiana plans to use DSR technology on over 20,000 acres of land. The use of DSR can help recharge groundwater during monsoon. If farmers use DSR, there will be no effect on rice yields.
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