Resource use pattern and adoption of direct seeded rice (DSR) in Punjab

Present study was undertaken in Punjab during 2021-22 to examine the comparative input use pattern for DSR and Puddled Transplanted Rice (PTR). The primary data were collected through personal interview method from 120 selected respondents (80 adopters and 40 non adopters) using multi stage random sampling technique. The input use in DSR was found to increase with the farm size (except animal labour) and statistically nonsignificant differences existed across the farm categories. The use of different inputs was lower on DSR farms as compared to PTR farms except seed, PPC and micro-nutrients and the mean difference of major inputs such as human labour, machine labour, diesel fuel, seed rate, urea, rodenticides, weedicides, electricity differed significantly. The DSR generated significant savings in the use of human labour (40.5%), machine use (12.63%), irrigation water (15.90 %) and fertilizers (15.06%) than PTR though weed infestation and rodent attacks was the major problem in DSR which led to higher requirement of PPC in DSR along with the higher seed rate. DSR technology is a viable alternative for sustainable rice production and for its wider adoption; there is a need for capacity building by educating/training the farmers along with Government initiatives like subsidizing the cost of direct seeding of rice per acre. In this regard, Agro Service Centers in all co-operative societies need to be strengthened to ensure timely availability of required farm machinery/implements on custom hiring basis. There is a need for auxiliary research and development efforts in developing high yielding rice varieties with desirable traits, viz., vigorous growth, weeds suppressing ability, tolerance to micronutrient deficiency which is suitable for DSR.