Chandigarh : In a major boost for the state’s groundwater conservation push, Punjab Government’s Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) scheme has expanded by 16% this kharif season, with 26,896 farmers brought 3.41 lakh acres under the water-efficient method so far, announced S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Punjab.
Building on last year’s momentum, when 25,853 farmers adopted DSR on 2.93 lakh acres. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has scaled up financial support to Rs 40 crore this fiscal, up from Rs 35.16 crore disbursed in 2025. Each enrolled farmer receives Rs 1,500 per acre via direct benefit transfer (DBT), S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said.
S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said farmers can register online for the DSR scheme at agrimachinerypb.com until June 30, 2025. With paddy transplantation still underway and expected to continue till mid-July across major rice-growing districts, the department anticipates a further rise in DSR coverage in the coming weeks. He has directed field officials to hold special camps to assist farmers with on-spot registration and verification of bank details to ensure seamless DBT.
The Agriculture Minister stated, “The 16% growth is a testament to the farmers trust in CM Mann led government’s vision for sustainable farming. With an enhanced allocation of Rs 40 crore for 2026-27, we are intensifying efforts to secure Punjab’s agricultural future while reducing input costs for farmers. We are not just offering financial incentives but building a culture of conservation. Every acre brought under DSR is a step towards preserving our groundwater for future generations.”
Urging all farmers yet to register to come forward and avail this opportunity before the deadline, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the DSR technique eliminates the need for puddling and nursery transplantation, reducing irrigation water consumption by 15-20% and labour expenses significantly. The state government has been consistently promoting DSR as a cornerstone for its sustainable agriculture efforts, organising extensive awareness campaigns, demonstrations and hand-holding support for farmers transitioning from traditional transplantation.
