Farmers honoured for not burning paddy stubble

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Nawanshahr Block, organised a farmer awareness camp focused on discouraging the burning of paddy stubble. During the event, progressive farmers, who refrained from burning stubble, were honored for their environmentally responsible practices.

Chief Agriculture Officer Dr Rakesh Sharma congratulated the farmers, acknowledging their significant contribution to keeping environment clean by not burning crop residue. He highlighted that these farmers are not only preserving air quality, but also protecting beneficial insects, soil fertility, and public health. Dr Sharma added that such progressive farmers set an example for others and can serve as role models to inspire more sustainable agricultural practices.

Notable farmers present at the event included Harmesh Kumar, Sandeep Singh (Bhangal Kalan), Jasvir Singh (Karyam), Channan Singh (Jalwa), Gagandeep Singh (Mahalon), Jasvir Singh (Shamshpur), Manjinder Singh (Nai Majara), Pradeep Singh (Biroval), and Balihaar Singh (Ghataro), among others.

Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Agriculture Development Officer, emphasized that paddy stubble is a natural source of nutrients for the soil, and burning it leads to the loss of nutrients worth nearly ?3,000 per acre, in addition to causing pollution. He said over 450 machines have been made available in the block to help farmers sow wheat without burning stubble and he encouraged farmers to make maximum use of these resources.

Dr Gurpreet Singh, another Agriculture Development Officer, shared information about alternative fertilisers to DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) for wheat sowing. ATMA Project Director Kamaldeep Singh Sangha briefed farmers on the National Mission on Natural Farming, urging them to adopt chemical-free agriculture. He also provided guidance on disease and pest management in paddy crops.

Project Director Paramveer Kaur advised farmers to conduct soil testing before sowing wheat to ensure appropriate use of fertilizers. She also shared information on the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, which provides financial assistance to farmers from the Government of India.

Engineer Chandan Sharma introduced the “I-Khet App,” guiding small and marginal farmers on how to rent agricultural machinery through the platform. Agriculture Sub-Inspector Sarbjit Singh expressed gratitude to the farmers who attended the camp.

Jalandhar