Punjab Farmers Embrace Water-Saving Rice Tech

Punjab has recorded a remarkable 36% increase in the area dedicated to Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) for the 2026 Kharif season. Over 4 lakh acres are now cultivated using this innovative, water-saving technique, a substantial rise from the 2.94 lakh acres in the previous year. The state government is actively encouraging this shift by providing an incentive of ₹1,500 per acre, with a total financial assistance expected to reach approximately ₹61 crore.

The substantial growth in DSR adoption underscores farmers' increasing trust in its sustainability compared to conventional paddy transplantation. Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian highlighted that this year's 36% increase significantly surpasses last year's 16% growth. DSR is a critical tool for conserving irrigation water, saving 15-20% per acre, and is vital for combating Punjab's diminishing groundwater resources.

Fazilka district led the state with over 1.55 lakh acres under DSR, followed by Sri Muktsar Sahib and Ferozepur. The Punjab government continues to offer technical guidance and on-field support to promote wider DSR implementation. District agriculture officers are tasked with ensuring prompt verification and disbursement of incentives to eligible farmers, reinforcing the dual goals of farmer support and long-term groundwater conservation.