Context: As rice is grown in India’s 45 per cent rain-fed area, as well as 55 per cent irrigated area, the average usage of water to produce one kilogram of rice is not 4,000-5,000 litres rather it is about 1,500 litres; Director-General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Direct Seeded Rice:
- Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) is a modern agricultural technique where rice seeds are sown directly into the field, eliminating the need for transplanting seedlings.
- DSR conserves water, reduces labour, and enhances crop productivity, contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security.
- Steps involved in DSR include field preparation, seed sowing, weed management, irrigation, fertilization, and crop monitoring.
- Benefits of DSR include significant water savings, labour reduction, potential yield increase, and environmental advantages such as reduced methane emissions.
- At least 30 per cent water is saved when DSR technique is followed in place of conventional nursery and transplanting method.
- By eliminating the need for nursery cultivation, farmers save approximately 30 days in the crop cycle. This allows them to start the rabi season early and avoid untimely rains during the harvesting phase.
- Challenges in DSR cultivation include weed and pest management, proper irrigation practices, and the need for farmer training. DSR techniques include dry and wet methods, adaptable based on local water resources and environmental conditions.
- Successful DSR requires high-quality seeds, proper field preparation, irrigation, weed and pest management, fertilization, and regular monitoring.
- DSR reduces water consumption compared to traditional flooded rice fields, conserving water and minimizing environmental impact.
- Economic benefits of DSR include cost savings for farmers and potential yield increase, while environmental benefits include reduced methane emissions and carbon footprint.
- Future trends in DSR cultivation include the development of drought-tolerant varieties, precision agriculture techniques, and integrated weed and pest management systems.
- In conclusion, DSR offers a sustainable approach to rice cultivation, addressing water scarcity, labour availability, and climate change challenges, contributing to food security and eco-friendly agriculture practices.