The Punjab Government has decided to intensify its efforts to tackle the state’s rapidly declining water table by expanding the adoption of water-saving technique of direct sowing of rice (DSR).
Punjab reportedly extracts 156.36 per cent of its annual groundwater recharge. Of the state’s 153 administrative blocks, 111 are classified as “overexploited”. It means that in 72.5 per cent of the blocks, groundwater extraction is far more than what is replenished.
For the 2026-27 crop season, the state government has set a target of bringing 5 lakh acres of agricultural land under DSR cultivation.
Under the scheme, farmers adopting the technique will receive financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per acre through an online portal. The state government has earmarked Rs 40 crore for the implementation of the DSR programme during the upcoming financial year.
In 2025-26, 23,410 farmers adopted the water-conservation technology and were collectively provided financial assistance of Rs 35.38 crore. The initiative forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to conserve groundwater resources, reduce excessive dependence on traditional paddy transplantation and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
Experts believe DSR technology can significantly reduce water consumption, labour costs, and electricity usage compared to conventional paddy cultivation methods.
