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Source: The post is based on the article “Better farming. Direct-seeding method gains currency in India’s paddy growing regions” published in The Hindu Businessline on 29th May 2023
What is the News?
Farmers in several leading rice-growing States are shifting to the direct-seeding method with rains getting delayed and the availability of labour becoming a challenge.
What is Direct-Seeding Method?
Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), also known as the ‘broadcasting seed technique,’ is a water-saving method of sowing paddy. In this method, seeds are directly drilled into the fields, eliminating the need for nursery preparation and transplantation.
What are the benefits in Direct-Seeding Method?
Low labour cost: Using drum seeders, two labourers can complete sowing on one acre in a day. In the traditional method of sowing seedlings, farmers will need at least 25-30 labourers.
Reduce time: By eliminating the need for nursery cultivation, farmers save approximately 30 days in the crop cycle. Further, this will also help farmer to start Rabi crops early.
Reduce water consumption: This method can help reduce water consumption by as much as 35% over the traditional process of transplanting rice seedlings from a nursery to waterlogged fields.
Yield increase: The yield under this method is one to two quintals per acre higher than puddled transplanted rice.
What are the challenges associated with Direct-Seeding Method?
The problem of weeds: The biggest challenge in the direct-seeding method is the problem of weeds. Weed begins to grow along with paddy. In the traditional method, the seedling is about 3-4 week old, allowing it out beat the weed growth.
Climate impacts: High temperatures and deficient rainfall can affect seed germination and crop growth.