PAU MAKES EFFORT TO PROMOTE DIRECT SEEDED BASMATI RICE TECHNOLOGY

LUDHIANA, JUNE 29:-----



Taking the cognizance of depleting underground water resource and deteriorating soil health coupled with severe labour scarcity in the Punjab state, the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) is laying emphasis on the development of resource conservation technologies (RCTs). Recently, the central government has accorded a scheme on direct seeded rice (DSR)/mechanical transplanting of paddy on 15000 ha area following 100 ha cluster approach. The PAU has recommended both the technologies and have taken a lead to implement the programme meticulously.

Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, said that Punjab agriculture is passing through a critical stage and promotion of RCTs is the top priority with PAU. The PAU researchers are making all out efforts to promote and popularize the DSR technology, among the rice growers, for the conservation of natural resources. He told that DSR not only saves labour and water (10-15 %) but simultaneously enables the crops to get the best fit in different cropping systems on account of 7-10 days early maturity. Dr Dhillon said that the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, has accorded a scheme under Punjab conditions to promote the DSR/mechanical transplanting with an incentive of Rs 2200/- per acre in the form of kinds. He informed that a team of PAU experts will create awareness about the technological components of the DSR/mechanical transplanting in the ten districts of the state namely Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, Bathinda, Sangrur, Roopnagar (Ropar), Barnala and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, under National Food Security Mission.



Dwelling upon the DSR technology, the Director of Extension Education, Dr M.S. Gill, explained that with the direct seeding, rice seed is sown and sprouted directly into the field, thereby, eliminating the laborious process of planting seedlings manually and reducing the water requirements of the crops. The technology, when experimented at PAU research farm, showed positive results, which led to the adhoc recommendation to the farmers for the direct seeding, said Dr Gill adding that the information has been given in the Package of Practices for Kharif Crops of Punjab. He further explained that precision management in DSR is required like seed depth (upto 3 cm), use of pre and post emergence herbicides. Proper control of weeds is essential for raising a healthy crop, he said adding that the University has recommended weed management technology. The direct sowing can be practiced in medium to heavy textured soils, he said.

According to the proposed plan for the promotion of DSR and conservation of natural resources, Dr Gill said that ten teams of PAU scientists and equal number of teachers of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Farm Advisory Service Scheme (FASS) will spread awareness among the farmers, and enable them to sow the DSR /mechanical transplanting in a cluster approach, he added.
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