Haryana leads India in sustainable farming with highest DSR subsidy, Agri Minister reinforces need for new technology

In what could turn out to be a major game-changer for farmers and ecology of the state, Haryana   ’s Agriculture Minister, Shyam Singh Rana, on Friday reaffirmed the state’s commitment to water-efficient farming by highlighting Rs 4000 + per acre subsidy for farmers adopting Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR), the highest such compensation in the country. Speaking at a farmers’ workshop in Kurukshetra, Rana emphasized that Haryana remains at the forefront of promoting sustainable rice cultivation.

The workshop, organized by Savannah Seeds in association with Haryana Agriculture Department, deliberated on the benefits and challenges of adopting DSR. Unlike traditional transplanting methods, which require extensive water use, DSR eliminates the need for seedling transplantation, significantly reducing water consumption and labor costs. The farmers’ workshop saw participation from over 500 farmers along with Deputy Directors of Agriculture from many districts to discuss the potential of DSR in reducing groundwater depletion and improving paddy cultivation efficiency.

Rana highlighted the state’s initiatives to support the transition towards more sustainable rice cultivation. “Water conservation is a pressing issue for Haryana’s farmers. The government is committed to promoting DSR as a sustainable alternative and will extend financial support, training, and access to advanced seed technology to facilitate its adoption,” he said. Haryana has set a target to bring over 3 lakh acres under DSR cultivation, and as of 2024, 50,540 farmers have already adopted the technique across 1.8 lakh acres.

Rice is a major Kharif crop in the state, with over 59.21 lakh tonnes of production in 2022-2023. Rice cultivation spans over 30 lakh hectares of Haryana’s agricultural land. However, farmers in the state face challenges such as declining water tables, weed control, and labor costs. Traditional rice cultivation methods require approximately 3000–4000 liters of water per kilogram of rice, making it a water-intensive process. Recognizing this, the state government has been actively promoting DSR as a means to conserve water and improve farming efficiency.

Agriculture Minister’s remarks are reassuring as Haryana prepares for the Kharif season, with increasing pressure on farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices amid changing climatic conditions. Recent studies have indicated that in wake of a significant drop in groundwater levels in several parts of the state, a shift to water-efficient methods is critical. To support this transition, the government has introduced a subsidy of Rs 4000-4500 per acre for farmers adopting DSR.

Ajai Rana, CEO & MD, Savannah Seeds and Chairman of Federation of Seed Industry of India, emphasized the role of technology in ensuring the success of DSR. “With proper seed selection and precision irrigation, farmers can achieve higher yields while conserving groundwater. The workshop provided an opportunity to address concerns and equip farmers with the necessary knowledge to implement DSR effectively,” he said.

One of the key innovations discussed at the workshop was FullPage®, an advanced seed treatment technology designed to ensure uniform germination for a stronger and more productive rice crop. “Traditional DSR methods sometimes suffer from uneven germination, leading to lower yields, but FullPage®'s SQUAD seed treatment aims to address this challenge. By eliminating the nursery stage and reducing the need for excessive irrigation, FullPage® can significantly conserve water, reducing water pumping costs by up to 30%. This translates to approximately 15-25 lakh liters of water saved per year. Additionally, by minimizing water usage, FullPage® also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane,” Rana said.

Government officials and industry leaders discussed potential incentives to accelerate the adoption of DSR, including subsidies for necessary machinery, training programs, and pilot projects to demonstrate its benefits. The event also featured case studies from other states like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand where DSR has been successfully implemented, offering insights into best practices.

Farmers attending the workshop interacted with scientists and agronomists to understand key aspects of DSR, such as weed management, soil preparation, and herbicide use. Experts stressed the importance of tailored interventions to ensure smooth adoption and long-term benefits.

Credited to DSR, Haryana has also seen progress in reducing stubble burning, achieving a 29% reduction this year through farmer incentives. The state government’s endorsement of DSR is expected to encourage wider adoption among farmers looking for cost-effective and sustainable rice cultivation methods.