Punjab PEOPLE

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Launches Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) Drive to Save Groundwater

Bhagwant Mann: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the launch of a state-wide Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) campaign starting today, in a bid to conserve groundwater resources and promote sustainable farming practices.

Neha Kumari

15 May 2025 17:51 IST

New Update

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the launch of a state-wide Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) campaign starting today, in a bid to conserve groundwater resources and promote sustainable farming practices.

ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਧਰਤੀ ਹੇਠਲੇ ਪਾਣੀ ਨੂੰ ਬਚਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਭਰ ‘ਚ ਅੱਜ ਤੋਂ ਝੋਨੇ ਦੀ ਸਿੱਧੀ ਬਿਜਾਈ ਦੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂਆਤ ਹੋਣ ਜਾ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ। ਸਿੱਧੀ ਬਿਜਾਈ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਇਸ ਵਾਰ ਅਸੀਂ 5 ਲੱਖ ਏਕੜ ਰਕਬੇ ਦਾ ਟੀਚਾ ਮਿੱਥਿਆ ਹੈ। ਇੱਕ ਪਾਸੇ ਜਿੱਥੇ ਸਿੱਧੀ ਬਿਜਾਈ ਰਾਹੀਂ 15-20% ਪਾਣੀ ਦੀ ਬੱਚਤ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ, ਉੱਥੇ ਹੀ ਹੋਰ ਖ਼ਰਚਾ ਵੀ ਬੱਚਦਾ ਹੈ। ਐਤਕੀਂ ਬਾਸਮਤੀ ਦੀਆਂ…
— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) May 15, 2025

Taking to social media, CM Mann said the state has set an ambitious target of 5 lakh acres for DSR this season. He emphasized that this technique not only helps save 15–20% water compared to traditional paddy transplantation, but also reduces overall input costs for farmers.

Government Support for Basmati Growers Too

For the first time, farmers cultivating Basmati rice varieties through direct seeding will also be eligible for government assistance. “As per our promise, the government will provide a financial incentive of ₹1,500 per acre, along with timely access to canal water and uninterrupted electricity,” the Chief Minister assured.

He appealed to farmers across Punjab to adopt DSR methods to protect the state's dwindling groundwater reserves and increase their farm income. “This is our duty towards the land of Punjab,” Mann stated, encouraging maximum participation.

Why DSR Matters

The move comes at a critical time as Punjab continues to face challenges related to groundwater depletion, largely attributed to water-intensive paddy cultivation. The Direct Seeding of Rice technique involves sowing paddy seeds directly into the field, eliminating the need for nursery raising and transplantation.

Agricultural experts and environmentalists have welcomed the initiative, noting that widespread adoption of DSR can significantly reduce Punjab’s irrigation burden, particularly in regions where groundwater tables have dropped alarmingly.

Bhagwant Mann