Punjab Govt Transfers ₹4.34 Crore to Farmers Under DSR Scheme to Boost Water Conservation Efforts
Punjab Government Promotes Water Conservation with ₹4.34 Crore Disbursement to 9,500 Farmers
Chandigarh, March 13, 2025 – In an effort to promote sustainable farming practices and conserve the state’s depleting groundwater resources, the Punjab Government has transferred a sum of ₹4.34 crore to the bank accounts of over 9,500 farmers under the first phase of the Direct Sowing of Rice (DSR) initiative for the Kharif 2024 season. This financial aid is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to reduce water usage in paddy cultivation by encouraging direct sowing methods.
Punjab’s Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Gurmeet Singh Khudian, made the announcement, revealing that more than 24,000 farmers had registered approximately 2.53 lakh acres of land under the DSR portal for the upcoming Kharif season. Following the verification process conducted by district officials, the first phase of ₹4.34 crore has been successfully disbursed to those farmers.
The Significance of DSR: A Water-Saving Measure
The Direct Sowing of Rice (DSR) technique offers a promising solution to Punjab’s ongoing water crisis. Traditionally, rice is transplanted into flooded fields, which requires significant amounts of groundwater. With Punjab’s groundwater levels plummeting in recent years, the government has actively promoted DSR as an alternative method. In DSR, paddy seeds are directly sown into the soil, eliminating the need for water-intensive flooding, thus saving valuable groundwater.
To encourage farmers to adopt this method, the Punjab Government has offered a financial incentive of ₹1,500 per acre of land cultivated under the DSR technique. The scheme has received a positive response, with thousands of farmers opting for the direct sowing method. The transfer of funds directly to the farmers’ accounts through Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) ensures transparency and eliminates delays in the disbursement process.
Farmers Benefit from Direct Sowing of Rice
According to Gurmeet Singh Khudian, the initiative not only aims to conserve water but also provides significant support to farmers, enabling them to save costs and improve their productivity. By moving away from traditional transplanting methods, farmers can reduce the need for manual labor and water-intensive irrigation practices, leading to higher crop yields with fewer inputs.
“The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to the sustainable development of agriculture. The DSR scheme not only helps conserve groundwater but also empowers our farmers to adopt modern, efficient farming methods,” said Khudian.
The first phase of the disbursement covered over 9,500 farmers, with the government ensuring that the remaining amount under the DSR scheme will be transferred to eligible farmers’ bank accounts within this month.
Encouraging Adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Practices
The initiative aligns with the government’s long-term vision for a greener, more sustainable Punjab. By promoting water-saving farming techniques, such as Direct Sowing of Rice, the state aims to safeguard its agricultural future amid growing concerns over climate change and water scarcity.
Punjab, which is one of India’s largest rice-producing states, has witnessed a steady rise in water usage over the years due to conventional rice farming practices. Through initiatives like the DSR scheme, the government hopes to encourage environmentally friendly agriculture that can support both farmers and the ecosystem.
Government’s Continued Support for Farmers
The Mann Government has been at the forefront of addressing the challenges faced by Punjab’s farmers. Along with financial aid, the government has been providing guidance, training programs, and access to resources to ensure the successful implementation of sustainable farming methods across the state. As Gurmeet Singh Khudian emphasized, this initiative is just one part of a larger strategy aimed at improving the livelihoods of Punjab’s agricultural community.
“This scheme reflects our commitment to protecting our environment and ensuring a better future for our farmers,” said Khudian.
The DSR scheme will continue to benefit farmers in the coming seasons, and the government is looking to expand its outreach and impact, ensuring that more and more farmers adopt water-efficient farming practices.
How the DSR Scheme Works
- Registration Process: Farmers need to register their land on the DSR portal, where their land size and other details are verified by district authorities.
- Incentive Amount: After verification, farmers receive an incentive of ₹1,500 per acre for practicing Direct Sowing of Rice.
- Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT): The amount is transferred directly into the bank accounts of registered farmers.
- Ongoing Support: The government will continue to provide further financial assistance and training to enhance adoption of the DSR method.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future for Punjab’s Agriculture
The success of the Direct Sowing of Rice (DSR) initiative marks a significant step in Punjab’s efforts to address both water scarcity and the economic challenges faced by farmers. As more farmers adopt the practice, the region stands to benefit from higher yields, lower input costs, and a more sustainable agricultural model that can be sustained for generations to come.
With the remaining funds of the DSR scheme to be transferred within the month, Punjab’s agricultural community is poised to make significant strides towards a more resilient and resource-efficient farming future.