Punjab Launches Major Drive to Promote Water-Saving Rice Farming

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

Punjab is taking a big step to protect its precious groundwater and help farmers earn more by encouraging a modern, water-smart way of growing rice called Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR). This season, the government has set a bold goal to cover 5 lakh acres using this method.

Unlike the traditional way where farmers grow rice seedlings in nurseries and then transplant them by hand—a process that uses a lot of water and labor—DSR involves sowing seeds directly into the fields. This simple change can save about 15-20% of water, reduce the heavy workload, and lower overall costs for farmers. That’s a big relief for Punjab, where groundwater levels have been dropping fast.

To make this switch easier, the government is offering financial support of ₹1,500 per acre for farmers who choose DSR. This includes those planting popular basmati rice varieties. On top of that, farmers will have guaranteed access to canal water and uninterrupted electricity during sowing, ensuring smooth and timely farming operations.

Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian shared, “Our farmers are the backbone of Punjab’s prosperity. By adopting Direct Seeding of Rice, they are not only saving precious water but also securing better livelihoods. We urge all farmers to embrace this sustainable practice for a stronger, greener Punjab.” More than 2 lakh acres have already been sown with DSR this year—a promising start toward the ambitious target.

Farmers interested in the subsidy are reminded to register on the official portal by July 15. The government assures that eligible farmers will receive the assistance via direct bank transfers, making the process smooth and transparent.

This campaign is more than just a farming upgrade — it’s a critical step toward sustainable agriculture in Punjab. By adopting DSR, farmers help conserve water, reduce costs, and ultimately improve their incomes. It’s a win-win situation for both the environment and the farming community.

As the sowing season moves forward, Punjab hopes this initiative will set an example for other states facing similar water challenges. With smart farming practices like DSR, the future of agriculture can be both prosperous and sustainable.