Direct Seeded Rice System, in which rice seeds are sown directly into the field as opposed to the traditional method of growing seedlings in a nursery, has the potential to bring down greenhouse gas emissions, use much less water, and reduce dependency on manual labour.

Against the government's MSP of Rs 2,040 per quintal of paddy, private traders in Uttar Pradesh offer Rs 1,900 per quintal. Still, farmers prefer to sell their paddy to the traders. Gaon Connection travelled across Raebareli, Unnao and Barabanki districts to find out why. A ground report.