Chandigarh, May 16 -- In a bid to combat groundwater depletion and support sustainable agriculture, the Punjab government on Thursday launched the direct seeding of rice (DSR) technique for the upcoming kharif season. The initiative, which is expected to save 15-20% of the state's groundwater, also aims to ease the financial burden on farmers.

DSR is a cultivation method where paddy seeds are planted directly into the soil, eliminating the need for nursery growth and transplanting, which require fully watered conditions.

In a statement on Thursday, chief minister Bhagwant Mann said the state government has set a target of bringing five-lakh acres under the DSR technique this season. He emphasised that this step is part of his government...