Haryana Government Launches DSR Incentive Scheme for Paddy Farmers
In a significant move to promote sustainable agriculture, the Haryana government has implemented a financial incentive scheme for farmers adopting the Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) method during the Kharif 2024 season. Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana made this announcement during the Budget Session of the Vidhan Sabha in Chandigarh on Thursday.
Scheme Details and Eligibility
The scheme provides an incentive of Rs 4,000 per acre to encourage farmers to shift from traditional paddy cultivation methods to DSR, which conserves water and reduces labor costs. According to Minister Rana, a total of 27,378 farmers across the state have been found eligible for benefits under this initiative. These farmers collectively cultivate 156,891 acres of land using the DSR technique.
Payment Status and Cyberattack Impact
Out of the eligible farmers, 18,007 individuals cultivating 109,245 acres have already received their incentive payments. The total disbursed amount stands at Rs 40.36 crore, calculated at the rate of Rs 4,000 per acre. However, payments to 9,371 farmers covering 47,646 acres, amounting to Rs 19.06 crore, are currently pending.
The delay in these payments is attributed to a cyberattack on the cloud server managed by RailTel Corporation of India. This attack led to the isolation of the data cluster that stores the farmers' information and payment details. The agriculture department is actively coordinating with RailTel to restore the data and resolve the issue.
Resolution Timeline and Additional Measures
Minister Rana assured that once the data is successfully restored, the pending payments will be released to the affected farmers within the next month. He emphasized the government's commitment to supporting farmers through this scheme and addressing any technical hurdles promptly.
In response to supplementary questions during the session, the minister also addressed concerns regarding the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). He confirmed that pending claims under this crop insurance scheme are being actively reviewed, and efforts are underway to resolve them at the earliest possible date.
Benefits of Direct Seeded Rice
The DSR method involves sowing rice seeds directly into the field, bypassing the traditional practice of transplanting seedlings from nurseries. This approach offers several advantages:
- Water Conservation: DSR reduces water usage by up to 30% compared to conventional methods.
- Labor Cost Reduction: It minimizes the need for manual labor in transplanting, lowering overall cultivation costs.
- Environmental Sustainability: By decreasing water consumption and methane emissions, DSR contributes to more eco-friendly farming practices.
The Haryana government's incentive scheme aims to accelerate the adoption of DSR, aligning with broader goals of sustainable agriculture and farmer welfare in the state.
