Punjab Implements Power Supply Zones for Paddy Sowing Season

Punjab has announced the establishment of three zones to ensure a reliable power supply during the paddy sowing season. Starting June 1, farmers in these zones will receive at least eight hours of uninterrupted electricity. Additionally, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has launched the Direct Sowing of Rice initiative to conserve groundwater and enhance farmers' incomes. The state aims to cover five lakh acres under this sustainable farming technique this Kharif season. This strategic move is expected to support farmers and promote efficient agricultural practices.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 19, 2025, 13:52 IST

Power Supply Zones Established in Punjab

On Monday, Harbhajan Singh ETO, the Power Minister of Punjab, revealed that the state has been segmented into three distinct zones to guarantee a steady power supply throughout the paddy sowing period. Zone 1, which includes Faridkot, Bathinda, Fazilka, Ferozepur, and Shri Muktsar Sahib, will benefit from a minimum of eight hours of uninterrupted electricity starting June 1 and continuing through the paddy ripening phase. Meanwhile, Zone 2, which encompasses Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar, and Fatehgarh Sahib, will initiate paddy sowing on June 5 with a reliable power supply.

Paddy Sowing in Zone 3 Set to Start on June 9

In Zone 3, which consists of Ludhiana, Malerkotla, Moga, Patiala, Mansa, Sangrur, Barnala, Kapurthala, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, paddy sowing is scheduled to commence on June 9. This zone will also receive a commitment of at least eight hours of uninterrupted power. The minister reassured that there is no power deficit in the state, ensuring that farmers across all zones receive the necessary support.

Direct Sowing of Rice Initiative Launched by Punjab CM

On Thursday, Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann introduced the Direct Sowing of Rice (DSR) initiative, aimed at conserving 15-20% of the state's vital groundwater resources. This initiative is expected to help mitigate groundwater depletion and significantly enhance farmers' incomes, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office. Since assuming office, the Chief Minister noted that his administration has implemented several innovative measures to protect farmers' interests.

Punjab Aims for 5 Lakh Acres Under DSR

The Chief Minister stated that the state government is the sole promoter of the DSR paddy cultivation method, with sowing under this initiative having commenced on Thursday. Bhagwant Mann expressed a goal of cultivating five lakh acres using the DSR technique during this Kharif season. He encouraged farmers to fully utilize this scheme, which is designed to foster sustainable agriculture and conserve groundwater.