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With the motive to increase area under Direct Seeded Rice ‘DSR’ for saving water, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sahibjada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali) conducted a training programme at village Lakhnor. During the programme, Dr. Parminder Singh, Associate Director, KVK suggested that DSR is the only viable option for rice farmers to reduce the unproductive water flow. For DSR, laser levelling of field is required which improves irrigation water use efficiency and ensure better germination. He also guided the farmers to grow short duration varieties (PR 126, Pusa Basmati 1509) with fast growth & less water requirement. Training incharge, Dr. Harmeet Kaur informed that the suitable time of sowing for DSR is 1-15 June and farmers should use lucky seed drill for sowing purpose preferably which conserves soil profile moisture and improves the efficacy of pre-emergence herbicide. They can save 15-20% water by adopting DSR. She further elaborated that DSR should be practised in medium to heavy texture soils. Field preparation and sowing should preferably be done during evening hours. She provided an important information regarding cultivation practices under DSR, seed rate, fertilizers, weedicides, insecticides. She also informed that disease attack in DSR field is lower than puddled rice fields. To motivate the farmers to adopt DSR, rice seed (PR 126) and weedicides (Pendimethalin & Bispyribac) were distributed to 15 farmers of surrounding villages.
