This Fatehabad farmer’s fields are fertile, not fiery

A Haryana farmer, who has been managing crop residue without burning it for the past decade, has become a leading example of sustainable agriculture in the region. Harvinder Singh Lali from Chuharpur village in Jakhal tehsil, Fatehabad, has shown how modern methods can protect the soil and the environment.

Lali cultivates 31 acres of farmland and uses a super-seeder machine to mix paddy stubble back into the soil instead of burning it.

He has followed this eco-friendly practice for a decade, improving soil fertility, saving resources, and maintaining organic balance. Recently, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Akash Sharma visited Chuharpur to see Lali’s stubble management model. Lauding his work, Sharma said: “Managing stubble naturally improves soil quality and plays a crucial role in protecting the environment.”

The SDM added that farmers like Lali were transforming agriculture by adopting sustainable and profitable techniques. “Machines such as the super-seeder save labour and time while keeping the soil fertile and productive,” Sharma said. He urged other farmers to follow Lali’s example and use modern machines instead of burning stubble. “This method reduces air pollution, increases soil fertility, and improves yields,” he said.

Sharma warned about the serious effects of stubble burning, including smog, respiratory diseases, and the destruction of useful soil microorganisms.

“Such practices reduce land productivity and harm the environment,” he said.

Sharing his experience, Lali said mixing stubble into the soil made it stronger and supported microbial activity.

“This is a simple, cost-effective method. If every farmer adopts it, we can increase productivity and protect the environment,” he said. Agriculture expert Ajay Dhillon and several local farmers were present during the SDM’s visit.

Dhillon said Lali’s decade-long commitment to sustainable residue management shows how technology can make farming both eco-friendly and profitable.

Officials believe that such initiatives can inspire more farmers across northern India to move away from stubble burning and adopt sustainable practices.