A direct sowing of paddy will start in Punjab from today. This announcement was made by CM Bhagwant Mann. This time the new goal of the government is to sow paddy with DSR technology on 5 lakh acres in this kharif season.
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The government will provide financial assistance of Rs 1500 per acre to the farmers adopting DSR. At the same time, farmers who grow basmati can also earn Rs 1500 per acre with the help of DSR technology. The government claims that this will save 15-20 percent water. At the same time, wages will also reduce Rs 3500 per acre.
113 blocks in dark zone, water shortage
The biggest problem of the Punjab government at this time is the water level falling under water, which is a big problem. The state has 113 blocks of dark zones. The water has gone from 600 to 700 feet below, while earlier water was easily available from twenty to 25 meters. In such a situation, the government is focusing on direct sowing of paddy to save water.
According to the government, DSR was adopted on 2.53 lakh acres in 2024, which was 47% higher than in 2023. In 2024, 21,338 farmers were given assistance of ₹ 29.02 crore. While DSR will get double benefit to farmers. Water will be saved up to 15-20%, while wages of 3,500 per acre will be cut.