Ludhiana: The state has witnessed 44% increase in the area under direct seeded rice (DSR) this year. Around 2.48 lakh acre is under DSR this year as against 1.72 lakh acre the previous year.

The information was shared by officials of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) during a meeting here.

“It is encouraging to see an increase of 44% in the area under DSR,” said Dr Makhan Singh Bhullar, director of extension at PAU, while chairing the monthly research and extension review meeting held on the campus on Wednesday.

Dr Bhullar expressed satisfaction that farmers have been made aware of the late transplanting of paddy and water-saving technologies through various training programmes.

He commended the clean green drive initiatives undertaken by the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Farm Advisory Service Centres (FASCs), emphasising the need for increased green cover to combat the adverse effects of weather changes. He praised the efforts of extension scientists in this direction and stressed the importance of conducting regular surveillance and issuing timely agro advisories for managing fall armyworm in maize and whitefly in summer moong. He promoted the cultivation of French beans and applauded KVK Sangrur for its successful sale of literature, encouraging others to follow suit.

He also praised the sale of nutri-products to dairy farmers, aimed at reducing malnutrition in dairy animals. Additionally, he commended the production and circulation of a video on mat-type nursery seeders and mechanical transplanting on social media platforms by the Additional Director of Communication Centre (ADCC).

Published Date: August 8, 2024