Super MMS mandatory on combines, says ADC

A meeting of combine harvester operators and owners was held here in which Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) Amandeep Kaur informed that Super SMS (Straw Management System) on harvesters is mandatory.

Addressing the meeting, the ADC said that it is mandatory for all combine harvesters to be fitted with a Super SMS device before starting the harvesting of paddy. She warned that strict action would be taken against those who harvest without this device.

Chief Agriculture Officer Baljinder Singh Bhullar explained that the Super SMS chops the paddy stubble into small pieces and spreads it evenly in the field. This helps the stubble dry quickly and improves the functioning of wheat sowing implements such as the Super Seeder, Smart Seeder and Happy Seeder. The method also avoids stubble burning, protects nutrients in the soil, and supports beneficial insects and microbes, thereby improving soil health.

He added that the government is committed to purchasing every grain produced by farmers, but the crop must meet the required moisture standards. Combine operators were instructed to harvest only between 10 am and 6 pm so as to avoid excess moisture content in the grains.

Assistant Agricultural Engineer (Implements) Mandeep Singh informed that according to the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) orders of September 25, 2020, violators will face a fine —- Rs 50,000 for the first offence, Rs 75,000 for the second, and Rs 1,00,000 for the third and subsequent offences.

During the meeting, combine owners also shared the practical difficulties they face and gave suggestions to the department. ADC Amandeep Kaur assured them that their genuine demands would be considered. Experts from the Agriculture Department, including Raman Kumar, Sukhchain Singh and Satwinder Singh, were present on the occasion. Combine harvester owners from different villages of the district also participated in the meeting.