Direct Seeded Rice Technique Adopted at Khalsa College

Must to save Water and Reduce Costs – Dr. Mehal Singh

Amritsar, June 18 (Punjab Post Bureau) – In view of declining underground water table due to extensive cultivation

of rice in Punjab, a new technique of direct sowing of rice which saves on substantial amount of water was today adopted at the Khalsa College’s extensive agriculture farm. On the directions and as being popularized by the State  Agriculture Department  at large scale, the management running the renowned Agriculture Sciences degree program in the historic College had given the go ahead to the project.

              A demonstration camp was organized jointly by the agriculture department of Khalsa College in presence of state officials today, said Dr. Mehal Singh, Principal Khalsa College. He said on the direction from Khalsa College Governing Council secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina and joint secretary Farms, Rajbir Singh, they have adopted the novel way to conserve the natural resources especially precious underground water is the need of the hour for the sustenance  of our future generations.

           On this occasion, Dr. G.S. Bal Chief Agriculture Officer said presently there is 30 lakh hectare of land in Punjab  under rice cultivation. “Approximately 5300 litre water is used to produce 1 kg rice. Therefore DSR helpful in saving water because puddling is not required in this system”, said he. Agriculture Engineer and Dr. Mastinder Singh demonstrated specially designed drill successful for DSR.

                   Dr. Mehal Singh said the drill drops 8kg seed and weedi-cide simultaneously in an acre at optimum soil moisture. First irrigation is required after 20 days of sowing. Later on another weedi-cide can be sprayed after 40 days of sowing if needed. “Following this technique, farmers can save expenditure to be incurred on  transplanting of paddy (approx.Rs. 4500/acre) and puddling. Moreover DSR field can infiltrate the rain water more efficiently unlike puddled fields. DSR reduces the labour use, time and water losses. Subsidies are also being offered by the State Government the subsidies on DSR drill”, said the officials.