Photo: BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, Nov 13, 2025 (BSS) - Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) can significantly reduce the water required for cultivation compared to traditional transplanted methods, which is crucial for the water-scarce Barind region.

Experts said DSR is considered a viable option for the drought-prone area, particularly during the Aman season, as it is less dependent on irrigation and can decrease pressure on groundwater resources.

The method eliminates the labor-intensive process of transplanting, making it an attractive option as labor costs continue to rise. DSR also allows for shorter crop cycles, increasing opportunities for subsequent crops and helping to mitigate seasonal food insecurity.

Illustrating the salient features of DSR, Dr Shakhawat Hossain, Principal Scientific Officer of the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI), said the method is one of the significant efforts to promote conservation agriculture (CA)-based technologies.

He said time has come for wide-ranging and sustainable expansion of these technologies in the drought-prone Barind tract to protect soil health from further degradation.

Dr Hossain added that the key principles of conservation agriculture include reduced tillage, retention of crop residues, optimum use of natural resources, sustainable and profitable crop diversification and rotation, and judicious use of fertilisers and pesticides.

He observed that conservation agriculture practices could be an effective means of utilising minimal water for crop establishment in the present context of climate change-especially amid unpredictable rainfall and recurring droughts.

Some proven benefits of CA-based machinery, such as the Power Tiller Operated Seeder (PTOS) and bed former or planters, include early planting, increased yields, reduced production costs, lower water requirements, and environmental benefits through reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Ataur Rahman, 45, a farmer of Kodomshohar village under Godagari upazila, has already sown seeds on his Aman paddy field this season.

Talking to BSS at his field on Wednesday afternoon, he said the direct-seeded method saves both time and cost for land preparation. "It also helps with timely harvesting, which is important for going into the next crop of Boro paddy," he added.

Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Atanu Sarker told BSS that many farmers are now adopting the method. "They can even see germinated mustard plants during the time of Aman harvesting," he said, adding that DSR is proving more resilient amid declining rainfall and rising temperatures-making it a key strategy for ensuring food security under climate stress.

He said the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) is providing farmers with need-based technological guidance so that they can harvest their crops on time.

Dr Azizur Rahman, Additional Director of the DAE, said the department is working to boost rice production while reducing mounting pressure on underground water.
He said the success of DSR can be further enhanced by promoting crop diversification with water-saving Rabi crops like mustard, which has become a regional priority.

"There is immense potential to boost crop production through the best use of modern varieties and technologies in the region," Dr Rahman added. "Utmost emphasis has been placed on expanding high-yielding varieties and modern technologies to enable farmers to reap full benefits."