Popularization of Direct Seeded Rice for Sustainability in Sangrur District of Punjab

The demonstrations for the popularization of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) were conducted in Kharif season, 2017 in selected villages Chatha Nanhera and Taranji Khera of Sangrur district. A total of 50 frontline demonstrations were conducted covering 0.4 ha area for each demonstration. Short duration variety of paddy PR 126 was grown. Farmers were using excessive doses of fertilizers and pesticides in transplanted rice (local check). Demonstrated plots yielded 79.46 q/ha while the average yield of local check was found to be 80.49 q/ha. The highest grain yield was found to be 81 q/ha and lowest has been reported as 75 q/ha. The total cost of cultivation of the DSR was found to be(sic)25370/ha,while it was (sic)32474/ha in the case of traditional method. A gross return of (sic)115217/ha and (sic)116717/ha was earned in DSR and transplanted rice respectively. Similarly, net returns of (sic)89837/ha and (sic)84239/ha was observed in the DSR and traditional method of cultivation. The cost-benefit ratio of the demonstrated field has been found 1:3.54 whereas it was 1:2.59 in the case of transplanted rice.