Recently, the ICAR has released herbicide-tolerant (Ht) basmati rice varieties, promoting weed control in rice crops and facilitating water-saving techniques like direct seeded rice (DSR).
Direct Seeded Rice Method
Direct-sown rice (DSR) is a modern method of rice cultivation in which seeds are directly sown into the field instead of transplanting seedlings from a nursery. It offers significant benefits for farmers, the environment, and the economy.
- Historical Background: It is a traditional method of cultivating Basmati rice in the North Western Plains, including Punjab and Haryana.
- The Green Revolution popularized the water-intensive practice of transplanting rice, leading to ecological concerns.
- DSR Innovations: Between 2014 and 2017, IARI Karnal developed the TAR-VATTAR technology for DSR. This innovation leverages climatic factors and effective herbicides like Pendimethalin to reduce costs and conserve water.
- DSR Adoption and Impact: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, labor shortages led to a notable increase in Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) adoption in Punjab, demonstrating its effectiveness.
- The Haryana government implemented DSR extensively, resulting in significant water conservation, with approximately 31,500 crore liters saved in 2022.
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ALS Gene
- About: The newly developed varieties feature a mutated AcetoLactate Synthase (ALS) gene, enabling farmers to utilize Imazethapyr, a broad-spectrum herbicide, for weed control.
- Role of ALS: The ALS gene in rice is responsible for synthesizing amino acids crucial for crop growth and development.
- When sprayed on regular rice plants, the herbicide attaches to the ALS enzymes, preventing them from producing amino acids.
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Paddy Transplantation vs Direct Seeding of Rice
- Paddy Transplantation: In paddy transplantation, farmers first sow paddy seeds in nurseries, which typically cover 5-10% of the total transplantation area.
- After 25-35 days, these seedlings are uprooted from the nursery and replanted in puddled fields.
- Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR): In Direct-sown rice (DSR), pre-germinated seeds are directly drilled into the field using a tractor-powered machine.
- This method does not require nursery preparation or transplantation. Farmers only need to level their land and provide one pre-sowing irrigation.
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Benefits of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR)
- Labor Reduction: By employing drum seeders, only two laborers are necessary to sow seeds on one acre, as opposed to the 25-30 laborers required in traditional methods.
- This substantially cuts labor expenses and alleviates the workload for farmers.
- Herbicide-Tolerant Basmati Rice: ICAR has introduced commercially available non-genetically modified (non-GM) herbicide-tolerant (Ht) basmati rice varieties.
- These varieties enable the direct application of the herbicide Imazethapyr, facilitated by a mutated ALS gene.
- Time and Resource Efficiency: By eliminating the requirement for nursery cultivation, farmers save around 30 days in the crop cycle. This enables them to commence the rabi season earlier and evade untimely rains during the harvesting phase.
- Efficient & Yield-boosting: Scientific debate suggests that hand weeding at designated intervals (20 and 40 days after sowing) in Direct-Sown Rice (DSR) is more efficient and yield-boosting than employing Imazethapyr.
- ICAR’s investigations advocate for environmentally friendly hand weeding over recurrent herbicide use to manage weeds and increase seed yield.
- Yield Enhancement: Based on research trials and field surveys conducted among farmers, this technique has led to an increase in yield by one to two quintals per acre compared to puddled transplanted rice.
- Conservation of Water: The direct-seeding method diminishes water demands by approximately 15%, as water logging occurs only after a month. This is particularly advantageous in regions experiencing delayed rainfall.
- Reduced Methane Emissions: A shorter flooding period and reduced soil disturbance in comparison to transplanting rice seedlings help decrease methane emissions.
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Challenges Associated With Direct Seeded Rice (DSR)
- Yield and Pest Susceptibility Concerns: Farmers frequently voice concerns about Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) due to perceived lower crop yields compared to traditional transplanting methods.
- Moreover, they identify heightened susceptibility to pests and insects in DSR crops as another challenge.
- Weed Diversity and Concerns: Imazethapyr selectively targets certain broadleaf weeds (BLW), not all weed varieties.
- The emergence of herbicide-resistant weeds risks rice production and food security.
- Similar challenges have been observed with Bt-Cotton and resistance in pink bollworms.
- Post-Harvest Facility Shortage: Inadequate post-harvest facilities hinder the rapid adoption of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR). Enhanced facilities are essential to efficiently handle and process DSR crops.
- Climate Extremes: Extreme temperatures and inadequate rainfall may impact seed germination and crop growth.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research
- Founding: Established on July 16, 1929, as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- Nodal Body: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) operates as an autonomous organization under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
- Headquarters: It is Headquartered in New Delhi.
- Functions: As the apex body, ICAR coordinates, guides, and manages research and education in agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, and animal sciences throughout the country.
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June 6, 2024
