Punjab issues paddy sowing schedule; Govt divides state into 4 zones to save water, power
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, April 29, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday announced a comprehensive schedule for the upcoming paddy sowing season, along with a structured power supply plan.
In a bid to conserve depleting groundwater and ensure efficient electricity management, the state has been divided into four zones for staggered transplantation.
As per the schedule, direct sowing of paddy (DSR) will be allowed across Punjab from May 15 to May 31, while traditional transplantation will begin in phases starting June 1.
Zone-wise transplantation dates:
- Zone 1 (from May 15): Direct sowing permitted across the state
- Zone 2 (from June 1): Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar (Mohali), Fatehgarh Sahib, Hoshiarpur
- Zone 3 (from June 5): Faridkot, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka
- Zone 4 (from June 9): Ludhiana, Malerkotla, Mansa, Moga, Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, SBS Nagar (Nawanshahr)
The Chief Minister stated that the agriculture sector will receive eight hours of uninterrupted daily power supply. Canal water supply will commence from May 1 to support farmers during the sowing period.
Highlighting the benefits of zoning, Mann said it will prevent sudden load on power grids, improve electricity distribution, and reduce labour shortages by extending the sowing window.
It will also help authorities better manage arrivals in mandis and avoid congestion during procurement.
He urged farmers to adopt direct sowing of rice (DSR) to conserve water and ensure sustainable farming practices in the state.