Paddy continues to dominate the kharif season in Haryana’s Sonepat and Panipat districts as farmers increasingly adopt the Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) technique. The Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department has expanded DSR targets this year to promote water conservation while maintaining paddy production.
Officials say the state is also encouraging crop diversification through the Mera Pani Meri Virasat (MPMV) scheme. The initiative aims to reduce groundwater depletion and encourage farmers to shift to less water-intensive crops wherever possible.
Paddy Remains the Main Kharif Crop
The Agriculture Department has set a target of bringing 3.40 lakh acres under paddy cultivation in Sonepat during the 2026 kharif season. Panipat has received a target of 1.82 lakh acres.
With the sowing season underway, farming activities have gathered pace across both districts. Officials expect paddy to remain the dominant crop despite ongoing efforts to diversify agriculture.
DSR Technique Gains Popularity
The department has increased its target for paddy cultivation through the Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) technique. This year, Sonepat aims to cover 20,000 acres under DSR, while Panipat has a target of 30,000 acres.
Unlike traditional transplanting, DSR allows farmers to sow seeds directly into the field. The technique reduces labour costs, saves irrigation water and helps farmers complete sowing more quickly. It has become an important part of Haryana’s strategy to conserve groundwater.
Government Promotes Crop Diversification
Along with expanding DSR cultivation, the Haryana government continues to promote crop diversification through the Mera Pani Meri Virasat scheme.
Across the state, officials plan to shift nearly one lakh acres from paddy to crops such as pulses, oilseeds and cotton. Under this programme, Sonepat has received a diversification target of 2,600 acres, while Panipat has been assigned 3,500 acres.
Why Farmers Prefer Paddy
Agriculture officials say many farmers continue to choose paddy because it offers stable returns and better market support.
In Sonepat alone, nearly 3.40 lakh acres out of around 4.02 lakh cultivated acres are expected to remain under paddy cultivation this season. Officials also noted that cotton cultivation has declined sharply over the past decade due to repeated pest attacks and crop losses.
Awareness Campaign Underway
The Agriculture Department has launched awareness drives to encourage farmers to adopt water-saving practices. Officials have visited nearly 80 villages in recent weeks to explain the benefits of DSR and crop diversification.
The campaign focuses on protecting groundwater while improving farm income through sustainable agricultural practices.
Conclusion
Paddy remains the backbone of the kharif season in Sonepat and Panipat, but the growing adoption of the DSR technique marks an important shift toward sustainable farming. Through DSR and the Mera Pani Meri Virasat scheme, the Haryana government hopes to balance agricultural productivity with long-term groundwater conservation.
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