As the government is promoting the direct seeded rice (DSR) technique for paddy crop, progressive farmers have been spearheading the transition and motivating fellow farmers to adopt the advanced techniques in farming.
After successfully overcoming initial challenges, the progressive farmers have been guiding the fellow farmers by sharing the benefits of DSR and motivating them to leave the traditional transplantation method.
Over 1,400 farmers in Ambala received the incentive of over Rs 3.89 crore for adopting the direct seeded rice technique for paddy crop in the last season.
An increasing trend is being observed in the adoption of DSR in Ambala over the last three years.
As per the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, the DSR technique was adopted on nearly 4,691-acre land and the farmers had received over Rs 1.87 crore as incentive in 2023-24, the area increased to nearly 6,100-acre and the farmers received over Rs 2.44 crore as incentive in 2024-25, while over 8,653-acre and the farmers have received over Rs 3.89 crore for the season 2025-26. The district has a target of 25,000-acre of the season 2026-27.
The DSR technique involves direct seeding of rice rather than the conservative transplantation method. It requires lesser use of water, resources and labour and is considered a better technique as it also saves groundwater. The government offers an incentive of Rs 4,500 per acre for adopting the DSR technique.
Former Sarpanch of Hamidpur village and a progressive farmer Jasbir Singh, who has increased the area under the DSR technique from seven-acre last year to 45-acre this year believes that the DSR is an important method to reduce the cost of production and save groundwater.
“I adopted the DSR technique more than a decade ago but back then the machines were not good, the germination and excessive weeds were among the major issues. Due to these issues a number of farmers who had shown some interest in DSR back then, went back to traditional methods. However, over the years the efficiency of machines has improved, and the germination has also improved. The issue of weeds can be managed through weed management,” said Jasbir Singh.
He said “Initially, like other farmers, I also had apprehensions and started with just one acre, but over the years I have increased it gradually. This year, of the 52 acres, 45 acres has been brought under the DSR. Last year, the farmers suffered losses due to the spread of southern rice black streaked dwarf virus. Every year, there are new challenges in agriculture. In view of the uncertainty in weather, rainfall and pest and virus attack, it is better for the farmers to learn new methods, reduce the cost of production and take benefits of government schemes.”
Gurvinder Singh, another farmer, said in DSR, it has been observed that the roots of the plants get stronger and it absorbs nutrition better, making the plant heathy and stronger.
Beant Singh, a farmer from Goli village, said, “I have been doing DSR for last 14 years and it is a good technique to reduce the cost of production. A number of farmers in my village have adopted this technique after observing me. We urge the farmers to adopt the new techniques in farming for better results and production.”
Sukhminder Singh, another progressive farmer from Sapera village, said, “The crop gets mature early for harvesting and it also gives us adequate time to manage the straw and prepare fields for the next crop. The shortage of labour and a continuous increase in labour prices have been a concern for the farmers, but with the help of machine, the sowing can be done easily.”
Deputy Director Agriculture (DDA) Ambala Dr Jasvinder Singh Saini said, “The technique is beneficial for the farmers as they can save groundwater and resources by switching to DSR. Through the DSR, the farmers can save 25-30 per cent of water compared to the traditional transplantation method. While the government is giving the incentive, the savings through cost of laour and energy are the other benefits that make DSR beneficial for the farmers. There had been issues related to the weeds it can be controlled effectively through weed management.”
“Recently a meeting was held with the progressive farmers for the promotion of the technique, and the field staff has been motivating the farmers to switch to DSR. All efforts are being made to achieve the target assigned to Ambala for this year,” he said.
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