Switch to alternative crops, farmers urged

Tribune News Service

Tarn Taran, December 12

Commission for Agricultural Costs and Pricing(CACP) chairman Prof Vijaypal Sharma and director agriculture Dr Sutantar Kumar Aeri, along with other senior officials of the department, attended an event at Khadoor Sahib on Thursday.

The officials interacted with farmers and gained firsthand experience about increasing input costs in agricultural sector. The experts took special note of the increased input cost due to management of crop residue in fields without burning.

Speaking on the occasion, Sharma suggested farmers shift to alternative crops like maize, basmati and sugarcane, which are more remunerative and environment friendly.

To dissuade from paddy cultivation, the farmers demanded Rs 3,000/ quintal MSP for maize.