Chandigarh, 24 May (H.S.): In a major initiative to conserve groundwater and promote sustainable farming, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian announced that the state government has set a target to bring 5 lakh acres under the Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) technique during the 2026-27 kharif season. The Punjab Government has earmarked Rs 40 crore for the scheme.

Sharing details, the minister said that during the 2025 kharif season, 23,410 farmers adopted the DSR technique across 2,35,899 acres. The Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government disbursed more than Rs 35.38 crore as financial assistance at the rate of Rs 1,500 per acre directly into the bank accounts of eligible farmers.

Calling it a “farmer-led revolution in water conservation,” Khudian said the DSR technique helps save 15-20 percent irrigation water by eliminating puddling and nursery transplantation, while also reducing labour costs significantly.

The minister urged farmers to adopt the DSR method and register early through the online DSR registration portal to avail incentives under the scheme.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH