Ageti and Mandaur villages in Patiala district have been playing leading role in achieving zero stubble burning. Farmers of both the villages have set an example by reducing stubble burning and minimising their input cost incurred on purchasing pesticides, weedicides and urea used for their crops by mulching paddy stubble into the soil.
To oversee the method adopted by both villages to dispose of the crop residue in the field without burning stubble, Shomita Biswas, Joint Secretary (M&T), Department of Agriculture, Government of India, visited Mandaur and Ageti villages, along with Manmohan Kalia (Nodal Officer CRM), and Dr Jaswinderpal Singh Grewal, Chief Agriculture Officer, Patiala.
The officer during her visit to both the villages interacted with farmers, cooperative society members and youngsters, who are playing a pivotal role to achieve the target of zero stubble burning through awareness and providing machinery to small and marginal farmers for the purpose.
Shomita Biswas said, “We are passing through a tough time. We should not only look after environmental benefits, but also take care of health benefits. As the situation has been worsening due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the smoke generated due to stubble burning will increase respiratory diseases.”
Manmohan Kalia highlighted the usage of machinery for the management of paddy stubble. He also stressed on management of machinery during the off season.
September 4, 2021, The Tribune