Early plantation of paddy is banned to save groundwater

EARLY paddy transplantation has been banned across the state with the aim to conserve groundwater, which is declining at an alarming rate. The Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department is maintaining 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 has early transplantation of paddy been banned in Haryana?

Early paddy transplantation has been banned due to the excessive use of groundwater. As per officials, it consumes nearly three times more water compared to paddy transplanted after June 15. Before the arrival of the monsoon, high temperatures cause rapid evaporation and the farmers rely heavily on groundwater through tubewell irrigation. This practice has become a critical concern for Haryana, where groundwater levels are dangerously low.

 What law governs the ban and what is the fine?

The ban is enforced under the Haryana Preservation of Subsoil Water Act, 2009 (HPSWA). The Act prohibits sowing of paddy nurseries before May 15 and transplantation before June 15. Any violation may lead to the destruction of crop, a fine of Rs 10,000 per hectare per month and the farmers will be charged for the cost of destruction.

 Which areas are being most closely monitored and why?

While the department is monitoring the entire state, extra attention is being given to blocks where the water table is particularly declining at a 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.

 What is the role of the monitoring teams?

Deputy Director of Agriculture (DDA) in each district is responsible for curbing early transplantation in their jurisdiction. The 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.

What alternatives are being offered to farmers?

The 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. The farmers growing dhaincha are eligible for an incentive of Rs1,000 per acre, provided they register on the Meri Fasal, Mera Byora (MFMB) portal and upload a photo of their sown field. The initiative is part of the Kharif 2025 season, targeting 4 lakh acres under dhaincha cultivation.

What are the benefits of banning early paddy and promoting crop diversification?

Banning early paddy reduces groundwater exploitation, promotes sustainable farming practices and enhances soil fertility. The crop diversification decreases dependency on water-intensive paddy, helping ensure long-term water and food security while benefiting the environment.

Are there any schemes to promote non-paddy crops?

Yes, under the “Mera Pani, Meri Virasat” scheme, the Haryana Government offers Rs 8,000 per acre to the farmers who shift away from paddy cultivation. The scheme promotes the cultivation of alternative crops such as maize, pulses, oilseeds, cotton, and others, as part of the state’s crop diversification strategy.

 Is direct seeded rice more beneficial compared to traditional transplantation?

The Haryana Government is actively promoting direct seeded rice (DSR) as a water-efficient alternative. Dr Wazir Singh, DDA, Karnal, says the 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, the DSR does not require flooded fields; instead, it is sown directly into a moist (‘vattar’) field prepared after pre-irrigation. This method saves nearly 30 per cent of groundwater and is also labour-efficient.