Paddy transplantation gains pace in Karnal amid power, labour woes

With the official paddy transplantation season kicking off on June 15, farmers across Karnal district — often referred to as Haryana’s “Rice Bowl” — have begun sowing operations in full swing. However, the momentum is being dampened by prolonged power cuts, labour shortages and the rising cost of inputs.

This year, paddy is expected to be transplanted on around 1.80 lakh hectares in Karnal, including nearly 30,000 acres under the Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) technique, according to officials. But while the target looks achievable, ground-level challenges are making the job harder for cultivators.

“We have started transplanting paddy, but frequent and long power cuts are making irrigation difficult,” said Aman, a local farmer. “Unlike previous years, we have not received adequate pre-monsoon rainfall, which has added to our woes,” he added.

Vikrant Singh, another farmer, urged the Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) to ensure consistent power supply. “Paddy transplantation is going on, but we are facing long power cuts, due to which farmers are not able to run their tubewells to irrigate the fields,” he said.

Besides erratic electricity, the shortage of agricultural labour is also pinching farmers. “Labourers are now charging Rs 3,500 per acre for paddy transplantation,” said Ramesh, another farmer from the region. “On top of that, the prices of diesel, fertilisers and pesticides have also increased significantly.”

Despite these hurdles, the Department of Agriculture remains optimistic. Dr Wazir Singh, Deputy Director Agriculture (DDA), Karnal, said, “The official transplantation of paddy began from June 15, and farmers are showing great enthusiasm. We are optimistic about achieving the targeted area for both traditional and DSR methods.”

He added that the state government had restricted early transplantation before June 15 as a conservation measure to protect groundwater resources.

As the sowing window narrows and monsoon rains remain uncertain, the on-ground infrastructure and support systems are likely to determine whether the district maintains its record in paddy productivity this season.

Haryana Tribune