Not burning paddy straw a tradition in this family

Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, October 23

The Punjab Government’s initiative of not burning paddy straw under Mission Tandrust Punjab is gaining momentum as several farmers have decided against burning paddy straw this time. 

One such farmer, Gurdeep Singh (35), a resident of Barma village, near Machhiwara, has been cultivating around 15 acres since 2003. He said his ancestors never set paddy straw on fire and he was also following in their footsteps.

Gurdeep said he cultivated paddy on 10 acres and sugarcane on the remaining piece of land. When some people set paddy straw on fire, it really hurts him because it is due to the acts of such irresponsible people that our soil health and environment are deteriorating. 

He said with the help of experts at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Samrala, and Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, he had been successful in managing paddy straw. He ploughs agri waste and straw in his fields and it still gives him good results.

He sows paddy varieties recommended by Punjab Agricultural University, and that is why he has ample time to sow wheat after cultivating the paddy crop. 

“After the paddy is cultivated using a combine, I use a cutter to lay straw in the fields and mow it several times. Then the field is left idle for a few days and is ploughed later. This process is repeated a few times after which the field is ready for sowing next crop,” he said.

Gurdeep said ploughing the paddy straw in the field helped him save on pesticides too. Other farmers have also adopted his technique that makes him really happy.