Why early plantation of paddy is banned in Haryana

Early paddy transplantation has been banned across Haryana with the aim of conserving the groundwater table, which is declining at an alarming rate. The Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department is maintaining strict vigilance to prevent early transplantation.Teams comprising Supervisors, Agriculture Development Officers (ADOs) and Block Agriculture Officers (BAOs) have been deployed in villages across Haryana to educate farmers and enforce the ban on paddy transplantation before June 15.Why the curbs?Officials say early paddy transplantation results in consumption of nearly three times more water as compared to paddy transplanted after June 15. This is because before the arrival of monsoon, high temperatures cause rapid evaporation, and farmers rely heavily on groundwater through tubewell irrigation. This practice has become a matter of critical concern for Haryana, where groundwater levels are already dangerously low.What is the fine?The ban is enforced under the Haryana Preservation of Subsoil Water Act, 2009 (HPSWA). The Act prohibits the sowing of paddy nurseries before May 15 and transplantation before June 15. Any violation may lead to destruction of the crop, a fine of Rs 10,000 per hectare per month, and the cost of destruction may be charged to the farmer.Areas under scannerWhile the department is monitoring the entire state, extra attention is being paid in blocks where the water table is declining at a particularly alarming rate. These over-exploited blocks have been marked as high-priority zones for water conservation. Accordingly, additional teams have been stationed in these areas to monitor paddy activity and conduct awareness drives.Monitoring teamsEach district’s Deputy Director of Agriculture (DDA) is responsible for curbing early transplantation in areas under his jurisdiction. Monitoring teams formed by the DDA not only inspect nurseries and paddy fields, but also educate farmers about the negative impact of early transplantation on groundwater resources. The teams have the authority to destroy early-sown crops and impose penalties on violators.Alternatives on offerThe Agriculture Department is promoting summer moong cultivation, which requires significantly less water. Additionally, dhaincha is being encouraged for green manuring. Dhaincha improves soil health by fixing atmospheric nitrogen and enriching the soil with organic matter. Farmers growing dhaincha are eligible for an incentive of Rs 1,000 per acre, provided they register on the Meri Fasal, Mera Byora (MFMB) portal and upload a photo of their sown field. This initiative is part of the Kharif 2025 season, targeting 4 lakh acres under dhaincha cultivation.Crop diversificationBanning early paddy reduces groundwater exploitation, promotes sustainable farming practices, and enhances soil fertility. Crop diversification decreases dependency on water-intensive paddy, helping ensure long-term water and food security, while benefiting the environment.Under the ‘Mera Pani, Meri Virasat’ scheme, the Haryana government offers Rs 8,000 per acre to farmers who shift away from paddy cultivation. The scheme promotes the cultivation of alternative crops like maize, pulses, oilseeds and cotton as part of the state’s crop diversification strategy.Is DSR beneficial?The Haryana government is actively promoting Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) as a water-efficient alternative. Dr Wazir Singh, DDA, Karnal, says DSR is being implemented across 12 major paddy-growing districts. The government is offering Rs 4,500 per acre as an incentive. Unlike traditional methods, DSR does not require flooded fields; instead, it is sown directly into a moist field prepared after pre-irrigation. This method saves nearly 30 per cent of groundwater and is also labour-efficient.

Why early plantation of paddy is banned in Haryana

Parveen Arora

Tribune News Service

Why early plantation of paddy is banned in Haryana

Parveen Arora

Tribune News Service

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