Direct Seeded Rice Revolutionising Rice Cultivation

Technologies like Direct Seeded Rice provide a transformative opportunity to conserve water, improve farmer incomes, and enhance environmental outcomes. With the combined efforts of various organisations backed by a strong policy support, the technology can revolutionise rice cultivation, ensuring food security for a growing population.

As India marches towards the 2030 deadline to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, the agriculture sector remains at the heart of the country’s strategy. With agriculture being the backbone of the Indian economy and a key livelihood source for millions, the sector holds enormous potential to drive progress on several SDGs, particularly, goals like zero hunger (Goal 2) and responsible consumption and production (Goal 12). Consequently, technological interventions in the agriculture sector are pivotal in realising these goals.

Agriculture accounts for a staggering 70% of global freshwater withdrawals, and India is one of the largest agricultural producers globally, making it a significant consumer of agricultural inputs, including water. So much so that agriculture in India accounts for nearly 80% of the total freshwater use. Over 245 billion cubic meters of groundwater are consumed annually, with about 90% of this allocation going to agriculture. This intense water consumption is unsustainable, especially as the country grapples with depleting groundwater levels and increasing water scarcity in key agricultural regions.

 The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has projected that by 2050, farmers will require an additional 19% of water to meet the growing global demand for food. Much of this demand will be concentrated in regions already struggling with water scarcity. This makes it imperative to transition to more efficient water-use practices to prevent exacerbating the water crisis.

ndia has recognised this challenge, and promoting water-use efficiency has been a policy priority under successive governments. In 2015, the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) was launched with the vision of ‘Har Khet Ko Pani’ (Water for Every Farm). The initiative underscores the importance of ‘per drop more crop,’ emphasising the need for efficient water deployment to enhance agricultural productivity.

Challenges in water management

 Rice is the world’s most important staple food and given the growing global demand, rice production is expected to dramatically increase by 25% over the next 25 years. Production of rice is particularly water-intensive, accounting for approximately ~50% of all irrigation water used in Asia and 34-43% of global irrigation water. According to the International Rice Research Institute, producing just 1 kg of rice requires about 3,000 litres of water in India. This is primarily because traditional rice farming, which involves transplanting seedlings into flooded fields, leads to significant water loss through puddling, surface evaporation, and percolation.

Additionally, a 2018 study on Water Productivity Mapping of Major Indian Crops found that the rice cropping patterns in India do not always align with the available irrigation facilities, leading to inefficient water use. For example, Punjab, which boasts the highest rice land productivity, suffers from low irrigation water productivity, whereas states like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, despite their high irrigation water productivity, struggle with low irrigation coverage.

Punjab and Haryana, despite being key contributors to India’s rice production, face significant challenges due to the low irrigation water productivity. In these states, approximately 0.22 kg of rice are produced per cubic meter of irrigation water applied, indicating inefficient water use. This inefficiency has led to severe groundwater depletion. In Haryana, for instance, rice-producing districts have experienced a groundwater level decline of about 13 meters between 2000 and 2021.

The combination of low irrigation water productivity and over reliance on groundwater for rice cultivation poses a serious threat to the sustainability of agriculture in Punjab and Haryana. This misalignment suggests that India’s rice farming practices are ripe for technological intervention, especially given the growing scarcity of water resources. To meet sustainable farming objectives, deploying innovative technology dedicated to rice production is crucial— technology that allows for reduced water usage and increased crop yield.

Direct Seeded Rice (DSR): A game-changer for water conservation

One such breakthrough technology is Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), an under-utilized, ancient technique that involves sowing rice seeds directly into the field, bypassing the need for transplanting seedlings. DSR saves water, reduces methane emissions, and cuts input costs. There are two primary DSR methods: Dry Direct Seeding (DDSR), suited for rainfed and deep-water ecosystems, and Wet Direct Seeding, where pre-germinated seeds are sown into puddled soils, typically in irrigated regions.

DSR uses precision equipment for efficient seed placement, thereby reducing labour needs. The process involves land preparation through ploughing, light irrigation, and levelling (often with laser technology), followed by sowing short-duration seeds at optimized rates and depths. Irrigation starts 8-10 days after sowing and continues weekly, depending on soil type.

Studies have shown that DSR can reduce water usage by up to 30%, lower cultivation costs, reduce labour requirements, and preserves soil health by avoiding the disruptive effects of puddling and supporting sustainable crop rotations.

 

 Barriers to DSR adoption 

While Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) offers numerous benefits, its adoption in India has been slow due to several challenges. A significant barrier is the lack of technical know-how and limited availability of suitable equipment, such as laser levellers and seed drills, which are essential for successful DSR implementation. This makes it difficult for many farmers, especially smallholders, to transition from traditional practices.

Weed management is another critical hurdle, as DSR fields are more prone to infestations that can significantly impact yields. Addressing this issue requires robust farmer training and the implementation of sustainable weed control measures, reducing dependence on harmful chemicals.

A clear quantification of savings and benefits at the farmer level is essential to build confidence in DSR. Farmers need evidence of reduced water use, lower labour costs, and improved soil health over the long term to overcome their hesitation.

Awareness and capacity building are equally vital for the successful implementation of DSR. Many farmers are reluctant to adopt new techniques without concrete proof of their advantages. Government programs like Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) can play a pivotal role by organising educational campaigns and field demonstrations, ensuring farmers understand the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable practices like DSR.

 Roots Foundation: Empowering farmers through DSR

 Roots Foundation, a social enterprise under the Farlense group, has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable rice production through DSR in India. For the past 13 years, the Foundation has worked diligently to build the capacity of farmers in adopting sustainable agricultural practices. Its flagship program, ‘Sustainable Rice Production with Conservation of Natural Resources through Direct Seeded Rice,’ spans 10 states in India, including Punjab, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.

Multifaceted programme approach for DSR adoption

 The adoption of DSR techniques requires a holistic approach combining farmer training, technological support, and continuous monitoring. Roots Foundation has implemented a comprehensive strategy to ensure farmers effectively adopt DSR, reaping benefits such as increased water efficiency, reduced labour costs, and improved sustainability in rice farming.

  • Farmer training and demonstrations

Roots Foundation employs interactive methods like group discussions, large-scale training events, and personalized sessions to educate farmers on the theoretical and practical aspects of DSR. Field demonstrations provide hands-on experience, showcasing the use of machinery and techniques while highlighting the differences between conventional and DSR planting methods.

  • Technological support

To overcome resource constraints, the program helps farmers gain access to advanced machinery, including seeders, weed management tools, and irrigation systems. Training is also offered on the operation, maintenance, and repair of this equipment, ensuring farmers are equipped to handle technical challenges.

Additionally, Roots Foundation has leveraged new technologies like the spraying of EKETSU Spray by Pi Industries, a herbicide designed to reduce yield loss in DSR systems. This technology, which combines bispyribac sodium, chlorimuron ethyl, and metsulfuron methyl, helps manage weeds effectively, thereby improving crop yields.

  • Monitoring and handholding support

Roots Foundation ensures continuous support through field officers who regularly visit farmers, offering real-time troubleshooting, guidance on irrigation and weed control. This consistent engagement helps farmers refine their DSR practices, overcome challenges, and stay aligned with sustainable farming goals.

By integrating training, technology, and ongoing support, Roots Foundation has sought to build a robust ecosystem enabling farmers to transition successfully to DSR, fostering long-term sustainability in rice cultivation.

 Tangible results

 The foundation’s efforts have led to remarkable outcomes in terms of water conservation, economic benefits, and environmental sustainability, especially in Punjab and Haryana. To date, over 10 lakh farmers have been sensitized to the benefits of DSR, and more than 5 lakh farmers have been directly trained through 2,000+ demonstration farms. One of the most notable achievements is the inclusion of more than 2,000 women in training programs, thereby fostering gender equality in agricultural practices.

The tangible results from Roots Foundation’s DSR initiatives include:

  • 35-40% reduction in water usage in rice cultivation
  • 35-40% decrease in methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
  • 50-100% increase in farmers’ incomes through improved market linkages
  • Rs 6,000–8,000 savings per hectare in cultivation costs

The significant impact created under this program and other sustainable agricultural interventions has garnered Roots Foundation recognitions such as ‘Leaders of Social Change’ at India Impact Summit 2021 by Socio Story, New Delhi – an advocacy platform in the Social Sector amongst many other awards and accolades.

These outcomes have not only helped farmers save valuable resources but have also empowered them economically. The training provided by Roots Foundation equips farmers with the knowledge to use DSR effectively, overcoming the challenges that initially accompany the technology.

The role of Public-Private Partnerships

Collaboration between farmers, NGOs, government agencies, and private companies is crucial for overcoming barriers to DSR adoption. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can drive awareness campaigns, offer financial incentives, and ensure access to necessary tools and technology. For instance, partnerships with KVKs for farmer training and large-scale demonstrations can illustrate the economic and environmental benefits of DSR.

Ritwik Bahuguna, Managing Director of Farlense Group, stresses the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors. “Growing rice is a complex and input-intensive process. DSR crops are faster and easier to plant, have a shorter duration, consume less water, and are climate-resilient,” he says. However, he also acknowledges that challenges such as weed management and awareness gaps need to be addressed for widespread adoption.

Roots Foundation, as a part of Farlense Group, has been addressing the gap in technology and awareness through pilot projects and farm demonstrations, offering hands-on experience to farmers. These initiatives empower farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to transition effectively to DSR, laying the groundwork for its broader adoption.

The government can play a crucial role in promoting the adoption of DSR by aligning input subsidies with sustainable farming practices. For instance, subsidies for essential equipment like seed drills and laser levellers can significantly ease the transition to DSR. Additionally, offering financial incentives for sustainable farming techniques, such as organic practices, can motivate farmers to adopt eco-friendly methods. Incentivising DSR adoption through direct cash transfers can also be highly effective as seen in Haryana since 2019 with more than 44,000 farmers adopting the technique.

To complement these efforts, it is vital to facilitate joint awareness campaigns and invest in large-scale demonstration projects. This combined approach—subsidies, incentives, awareness, and capacity building—will be instrumental in mainstreaming DSR and accelerating India’s progress towards its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Looking ahead: A sustainable future for Indian agriculture

 As India moves toward its SDG targets, technologies like DSR provide a transformative opportunity to conserve water, improve farmer incomes, and enhance environmental outcomes. With the combined efforts of organisations like Roots Foundation and strong policy support, DSR can revolutionise rice cultivation, ensuring food security for a growing population.

India’s experience with DSR also serves as a model for other water-scarce regions worldwide. By scaling such innovations through effective collaborations, the nation can lead global efforts in sustainable agriculture, securing a better future for generations to come.

References

 

Ishani Sharma

Research Associate, Farlense

Email ID: ishani@farlense.com

 

Ritwik Bahuguna,

Founder, Roots Foundation & Director, Farlense Group

Email ID: rb@rootsfoundation.in

 

AP Sinha

Advisor, Roots Foundation & Director, Farlense Group

Email ID: ap.sinha@rootsfoundation.in

 

Roots Foundation,

#104, Building No 32, Global Business Square [ 32GBS ] by INMACS,

Sector 44, Gurugram, Haryana 122003

 

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