Farmer in Ludhiana leads by example, embraces in-situ stubble management for five years in row

In a positive display of environmental responsibility, Dilbagh Singh, a farmer from Braich village in the Ludhiana west subdivision, has again proven that sustainable agriculture is not only possible but also profitable and practical.

For the fifth consecutive year, Singh has refrained from burning paddy stubble—a practice that has long plagued Punjab’s fields and contributed to severe air pollution across north India.

Instead, he has adopted in-situ stubble management, using a Super Seeder to harvest crop residue directly into the soil while sowing wheat. This method not only preserves soil health but also prevents the toxic smoke that chokes the region every winter.

“The decision was not just about compliance but about responsibility. We cannot keep blaming the government or pollution from other states. Change has to start from our own fields. By adopting in-situ management, I have seen my soil’s health improve and my wheat yield remains strong,” said Dilbagh.

Experts note that while awareness is growing, challenges persist. Many small farmers cite the high cost of machinery and lack of timely support as barriers. However, Singh’s example demonstrates that with collective effort and proper use of subsidies, sustainable practices can be mainstreamed.

Gurmeet Singh, a farmer from the same village said, “Watching Dilbagh manage stubble with the Super Seeder convinced me that this was the right path. I adopted the same practice last year, and I can already see the soil becoming healthier. More importantly, we are not polluting the air our children breathe. His example gave us the confidence to change.”

Agriculture Development Officer Dr Veerpal Kaur and Dr Karamjit Singh lauded Singh’s efforts and said Dilbagh’s efforts show how crop residue can be efficiently mixed into the soil, turning a liability into an asset.

Dr Veerpal emphasised the dual benefits of this approach and said, “Not burning stubble is a double victory as it protects our air and boosts soil fertility. By mixing residue into fields, farmers improve organic content and cut down on chemical fertiliser costs.”

Dr Karamjit urged farmers to take full advantage of government schemes: “The government is providing subsidies on crop residue management machinery. Tools like the Super Seeder are now more accessible than ever, and farmers should adopt them to save both the environment and their own resources.”

Singh’s initiative has inspired fellow farmers in Braich village. Collectively, they have cleared stubble from nearly 50 acres and transported it to a designated common site for centralised management. In a symbolic gesture, the farmers took a collective pledge to not burn stubble this season, promising to keep the environment clean and fully support the agriculture department’s efforts.

Locals have also welcomed the move. “Every year, the smoke from stubble burning makes it difficult to breathe. Seeing farmers take responsibility is encouraging. If more villages follow this path, Ludhiana’s air will be cleaner,” said Harpreet Singh, a city resident.

The story of Dilbagh and his fellow farmers is a reminder that solutions to Punjab’s stubble crisis lie in the fields themselves. By embracing in-situ management, they are not only protecting the environment but also setting a precedent for others to follow.