Better farming. Direct-seeding method gains currency in India’s paddy growing regions
Red Book
Red Book

Pre-cum-Mains GS Foundation Program for UPSC 2026 | Starting from 5th Dec. 2024 Click Here for more information

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.


Discover more from Free UPSC IAS Preparation For Aspirants

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Print Friendly and PDF
Blog
Academy
Community