Page 44 - Prabuddh Gram

=kSekfld (f}Hkk"kh;) if=kdk vizSy & tqu 2023 | i`"B 42 =kSekfld (f}Hkk"kh;) if=kdk

is kept aerobic through alternate wetting and Steps in DDSR
drying under rainfed upland ecosystems in 1. Immediately after harvest of last crop, during
place of continuous submergence of water. The summer season land is ploughed to control
productivity of direct seeded rice is similar to weeds, followed by uniform levelling. During
that of transplanting system and even it fetches this time, stale seed bed technique can also
higher economic return as water is less required. be used to control the weeds if water is

Advantages available.
2. This method is usually practiced in rainfed
1. It offers rapid planting, easy mechanization, condition. Different methods of sowing under
early maturity etc. DDSR include:
2. DDSR saves labour and water and thus, » Broadcasting of dry seeds (80-100 kg/
enhances crop profitability through good ha) directly, either after field preparation
production. (conventional tillage, CT) or zero tillage
3. It is an effective method specially during peak (ZT), and mixed thereafter with a harrow.
period of labour requirement for nursery, » Dibbling of sprouted seeds after
transplantation etc. seedbed preparation, especially in hilly
4. Under the situations of late onset of monsoon, terrain or line sowing at the rate of 60-80
low groundwater table etc., transplanting is kg/ha through a seed-cum-fertilizer drill
delayed resulting in over aging of seedlings in after ZT, CT, reduced tillage or on raised
nursery. Even, in dryland areas, where water beds. Seeds are sown in dry soil at 3-4 cm
scacrcity is common, farmers usually leave depth followed by coverage and irrigation.
the lands fallow. DDSR can overcome these This method allows easy weeding or
problems by timely sowing of seeds. intercultural operation as compared to
5. It can reduce global warming as greenhouse broadcasting.
gas emission is comparatively less. 3. Land can also be covered to conserve
6. This method protects the rice plants from moisture and to protect seed from bird attack.
transplanting shock. 4. Weeds can be knocked down using pre-
7. It utilizes early rainfall resulting in efficient use emergence herbicides or manually.
of available water for crop growth. Conclusion
8. Puddling destroys soil structure which can be Although this traditional approach is gaining
checked through DDSR. momentum again in recent years in the context
9. This method ensures sowing in much more of water crisis throughout the world, especially, in
area in less time with the same available rice growing countries, it still requires adequate
farm power and labour than the conventional validation before recommendation. For this, the
system. There is a saving of water required efficacy of dry direct seeding of rice should be
for puddling and also during the period from tested under various agro-climatic conditions.
sowing to late tillering stage. Further, the subsequent practices of DDSR are
Limitations also required to be properly standardised and
1. Excessive weed infestation is a great problem several associated issues like weed problems
in DDSR. are needed to be addressed. Once, its efficacy
2. High weed density competes with crop and under water scarce areas is confirmed through
reduces rice yield. The yield losses under multilocation research trials, this technology
DDSR are estimated as high as 75%. can be further transfused to the farmers
3. Direct seeded rice seeds are prone to bird through trainings, workshops, farmers' field
damage if seeds are not well-covered with demonstrations and other extension activities.
soil after seeding. Saikat Biswas, F/ARTD, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and
4. Broadcasting of seeds creates problems in Research Institute, Morabadi, Ranchi, Jharkhand-834008
intercultural operations.