Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that the direct sowing of paddy (DSR) in the state will begin from May 15 and continue till May 31. The announcement was made while addressing the media, outlining key measures to support farmers during the sowing season and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Bhagwant Mann: Timeline for paddy sowing finalised
The government has fixed a defined window for direct sowing to ensure better planning and resource management. By regulating the sowing period, authorities aim to control groundwater usage and align agricultural activities with environmental considerations. Farmers have been advised to follow the schedule to maximize benefits under the scheme.
Assurance of electricity and water supply
Bhagwant Mann stated that farmers adopting direct sowing will be provided eight hours of uninterrupted electricity along with access to canal water. This dual support is expected to ease operational challenges and encourage more farmers to shift toward the DSR method.
Push for water conservation
The direct sowing technique is being promoted as a water-saving alternative to traditional transplantation methods. Officials highlight that DSR significantly reduces groundwater extraction, which is crucial for Punjab, where water levels have been under stress due to intensive agriculture.
Incentive for farmer participation
By ensuring essential resources like power and irrigation, the government is trying to incentivize farmers to adopt modern and sustainable farming practices. The move is also expected to reduce labour costs and improve efficiency during the sowing season.
