CII organised program on DSR for water conservation with progressive farmers 

Ludhiana, September 15, 2022: Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) today organised program on Direct seeding of Rice (DSR) for water conservation with progressive farmers in Chandigarh. Savannah Seeds presented their solution to overcome shortcomings of DSR. 

Dr Inderbir Nijjer, Minister for Water, Soil Conservation and Local Bodies was the Guest of Honour mentioned that “we need to back to our roots and adopt water conservation in agriculture”. He appreciated PAUs role and mentioned Punjab must attain its earlier rank of state with highest per capita Income. He spent time listening to ideas of farmers.

Principal secretary agriculture informed about alternative irrigation methods and informed area under paddy cultivation has increased from 6% in 1960s to 41% in 2021-22.

Amit Thapar, Chairman, CII informed that underground water is real crisis, therefore, industry must help all stake holders in water saving initiatives. He mentioned industry uses only 0.7% of ground water and will levied water charges soon to conserve water. Industry welcomes the charges but mentioned these must reasonable to sustain competitiveness. He asked progressive farmers to come forward and share experiences and welcomed subsidy of Rs.1500 acre for DSR announced by Punjab Government.

The meeting was attended by Experts from PAU, ICAR Director and Former VC Dr Datta, Dr Rajivir Singh , Dr Ajmer Singh , Director Agri Dr Gurvinder Singh and many progressive farmers. There was discussion also on solution to reduce burning of stubble.