Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) Technique, Concerns and Requirements

Context

• The Punjab government is promoting the Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) technique, also known as the ‘tar-wattar’ technique.
• This can reduce water use by 15% to 20% and requires less labour while maturing 7 to 10 days faster.
• Despite these benefits and government incentives of Rs 1,500 per acre, DSR adoption remains limited in Punjab.

DSR Technique: Adoption and Targets

• Current Adoption: In the previous year, only 1.73 lakh acres of the 79 lakh acres of paddy cultivation in Punjab used DSR.
• 2023 Target: The government aims to bring 7 lakh acres under DSR, less than 10% of Punjab’s total rice acreage.

How does DSR Work?

• Traditional Method: Involves preparing nurseries, and transplanting seedlings after 25-35 days, and requires significant labour and water.
• DSR Method: Paddy seeds are directly sown, skipping nursery preparation and transplantation.
  • The field is irrigated and laser levelled before seeding using a seed drill or lucky seeder.
  • Seeds are treated with fungicide, dried, and sown 20-30 days earlier than traditional transplantation.
• Irrigation Schedule: First irrigation is 21 days after sowing, followed by 14-17 rounds every 7-10 days, depending on soil type and monsoon quality, totaling fewer irrigations than the traditional method.

Types of DSR

• Wet DSR: Sprouted rice seeds are broadcasted or sown in lines on wet/puddled soil.
• Dry DSR: Dry rice seeds are drilled or broadcasted into unpuddled soil with minimal or no tillage.

Soil Texture Importance

• Suitable Soils: Heavy or medium-to-heavy-textured soils are ideal for DSR as they retain water better.
• Unsuitable Soils: Light-textured soils, which do not retain water well, are not suitable and can negate the water-saving benefits of DSR.
• Regional Soil Types:
  • Majha (northwestern Punjab) and Doaba (northeastern Punjab) have heavy-textured soils.
  • Malwa (central and southern Punjab) has a mix of heavy, medium, and light-textured soils.

Importance of Iron Content

• Iron Deficiency: Soils lacking iron and having weed problems are unsuitable for DSR.
• Ideal Conditions: Soils with plant-available iron are preferred. Ferrace iron (green-coloured, non-oxidized) is recommended over oxidised iron (brown-coloured).
• Impact of Iron Deficiency: Can severely affect yields, causing financial losses and forcing farmers to revert to transplantation, negating DSR benefits.

Challenges and Path Forward

• Lack of Awareness: Farmers’ lack of understanding and failed attempts on unsuitable soil lead to negative perceptions of DSR.
• Education and Support: Comprehensive training and a helpline for farmers are crucial to build confidence in DSR. Compensation for initial losses should be provided to prevent disincentivization.
• Negative Feedback: Word-of-mouth negative feedback further dissuades potential adopters.

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