Farmers Offered ₹4,500 Per Acre Incentive To Adopt Direct Seeding Of Rice Technique

India’s agricultural sector faces mounting challenges of groundwater depletion and rising fuel costs. To address these, Haryana’s Agriculture Minister has called on farmers to embrace the DSR technique, which eliminates traditional puddling and transplantation, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to paddy cultivation.

What Is DSR

Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) involves sowing seeds directly into the field using seed drills, instead of transplanting seedlings from nurseries. This method reduces water usage by 15–20%, cuts labour costs, and lowers dependency on diesel-powered irrigation.

Government Incentives

Minister Shyam Singh Rana announced that farmers adopting DSR will receive ₹4,500 per acre as direct financial assistance. In addition, farmers purchasing DSR machines are eligible for a 50% subsidy up to ₹40,000 per machine. Registration for the scheme began on May 27, 2026, and will remain open until June 15, 2026. 

Benefits For Farmers

The DSR technique not only conserves water but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by lowering diesel usage. It improves soil health by avoiding continuous flooding and helps farmers save on input costs. The minister also encouraged farmers to adopt solar energy to further reduce fuel dependency. 

Wider Adoption Initiatives

Beyond DSR, Haryana has launched exposure visits for progressive farmers to states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana to learn modern farming techniques such as micro-irrigation, grape cultivation, and seed production. The goal is to create “master trainers” who will guide other farmers in their districts. 

Smart Farming Insights

•⁠  ⁠Haryana farmers offered ₹4,500 per acre incentive for adopting DSR

•⁠  ⁠50% subsidy up to ₹40,000 for purchasing DSR machines

•⁠  ⁠Registration open from May 27 to June 15, 2026

•⁠  ⁠DSR reduces water use by 15–20% and cuts diesel consumption significantly

•⁠  ⁠Farmers encouraged to adopt solar energy for sustainable farming

•⁠  ⁠Exposure visits planned to modern farming states for knowledge transfer

Sources: The Tribune, Agri Haryana, The Week, PRMS