Why in news?

The Punjab government is promoting the direct seeding of rice (DSR), also known as the 'tar-wattar' technique, to reduce water usage by 15% to 20%. Traditional methods require 3,600 to 4,125 litres of water per kilo of rice, whereas DSR uses much less. Additionally, DSR requires less labor and the rice matures 7 to 10 days faster, allowing farmers more time to manage paddy straw.

Despite these benefits and a government incentive of Rs 1,500 per acre, DSR adoption remains low. Last year, only 1.73 lakh acres out of 79 lakh acres under paddy cultivation used DSR.

The government’s target for this year is 7 lakh acres, which is still less than 10% of Punjab's total rice acreage.

What’s in today’s article?

• Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR)
• Path forward for DSR

Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR)

• About
  • DSR is a method of planting rice seeds directly into the field rather than transplanting seedlings from a nursery.
  • This technique involves sowing pre-germinated or dry seeds directly into the main field, either through broadcasting (scattering seeds), drilling (placing seeds in rows), or using specialized seeders.
• Working
  • Field Preparation
    • The field is prepared by leveling and ensuring good soil tilth to promote uniform seed germination and growth.
    • Land may be tilled or left untilled (zero tillage), depending on the specific DSR method used.
  • Seed Sowing
    • Broadcasting: Seeds are scattered uniformly over the field.
    • Drilling: Seeds are sown in rows using a seed drill or planter.
    • Mechanized Sowing: Specialized machinery can be used for precision planting of seeds.
  • Water Management
    • Initial irrigation may be provided to ensure seed germination.
    • Subsequent water management practices focus on maintaining optimal moisture levels without continuous flooding, as in traditional transplanting.
  • Weed and Pest Management
    • Effective weed control is critical, often requiring pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides.
    • Regular monitoring for pests and diseases is necessary.
• Different from traditional methods
• Traditionally, paddy farmers prepare nurseries where seeds are first sown.
• After 25-35 days, the young seedlings are uprooted and replanted, in the flooded main field.
• While this method is labour and water-intensive, it is known to maximise yields and maintain better crop health.
• Soils suitable for DSR
  • Experts emphasise that soil suitability is crucial for the successful implementation of DSR.
    • Farmers should avoid DSR in light-textured soils — it is more suitable for heavy or medium-to-heavy-textured soils.
    • This is primarily because light-textured soils do not retain water well. These soils completely counteract the water-saving benefits of DSR, and in fact, ends up guzzling down more water.
  • The iron content of the soil also determines the suitability of DSR. Soil with severe iron deficiency, and weed problems must not be cultivated using this technique.
    • Experts recommend that soils with plant-available iron are ideal for DSR.
    • In case iron supplements are being used, farmers should apply ferrace iron, which is green-coloured and not oxidised, rather than oxidised iron, which is brown in colour.
• Benefits of DSR:
• Water Savings - DSR significantly reduces water usage compared to traditional flooded rice fields since it eliminates the need for continuous flooding.
• Labor Savings -Reduces labor requirements for nursery preparation, seedling transplanting, and associated activities.
• Faster Crop Establishment - Seeds germinate and establish more quickly, leading to potentially earlier harvesting.
• Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Lower methane emissions due to less anaerobic decomposition in non-flooded conditions.
• Cost Savings - Lower costs for labor, water, and sometimes inputs, depending on the method used.
• Challenges of DSR:
  • Weed Management - Weeds can be a significant problem due to the absence of water that usually suppresses weed growth in traditional systems.
    • Effective herbicide use and integrated weed management practices are crucial.
  • Water Management - Requires precise water management skills to avoid water stress or flooding that can affect seed germination and growth.
  • Pest and Disease Control - Increased susceptibility to certain pests and diseases compared to traditional flooded systems.
  • Soil and Crop Management - Requires good soil preparation and fertility management to ensure uniform seed germination and growth.
    • Variability in soil conditions can impact the success of DSR.
  • Technological Requirements - Access to appropriate machinery and technology for seed drilling and planting can be a barrier in some regions.

Path forward for DSR

• A basic lack of awareness and understanding is holding DSR back.
  • After using the method on unsuitable soil, farmers do not get the expected yields.
  • They then developed apprehensions regarding DSR and reverted to their traditional puddling method.
• Experts say that comprehensively educating farmers is key to enable the adoption of a new technique, and departure from age-old, tried and tested methods.
• They suggest that extensive training and a ready helpline be provided, to handhold the farmers through the whole process, from pre-sowing to harvesting.
• This can instill confidence among farmers regarding DSR’s efficacy.