Water-saving direct seeding of rice (DSR), also known as broadcasting seed technique (BST), has emerged as a significant boon for paddy farmers in several parts of the district. This innovative approach allows farmers in Erravalli village to sow paddy seeds directly into wet fields, offering a solution to labour shortages and reducing cultivation costs.
Recognising the challenges inherent in traditional paddy cultivation methods, agricultural officials in Markook mandal in Siddipet district have actively promoted the adoption of DSR. Farmers in Erravali village are now ready for transition from conventional transplanting to direct seeding of rice. Unlike the labour-intensive transplanting method, which involves significant expenses such as nursery management and labour costs averaging around ₹6,000 per acre, DSR requires only 10 to 12 kg of sprouted seeds to be broadcasted. Furthermore, a single individual can broadcast seeds over 5 to 10 acres in a day, significantly expediting the process. Additionally, crops grown using the DSR method typically mature 7 to 10 days earlier than those cultivated through traditional means.
A farmer from Erravali village, Sudhakar Reddy, lauds the timely technical assistance provided by the agriculture department for implementing the DSR method. He says he has earned an additional income of ₹10,000 per acre compared to conventional methods.
