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's broader commitment to safeguard the interests of farmers and promote environmentally responsible agriculture. "This initiative is a catalyst for checking the further depletion of groundwater and will supplement the income of farmers in a big way," Mann said. The state is offering financial assistance of Rs.1,500 per acre to farmers who opt for DSR. A budgetary allocation of Rs.40 crore has been earmarked for the scheme in the 2025-26 financial year. Interested farmers can register on the official portal agrimachinerypb.com between May 10 and June 30....