Mulching finds wider acceptance among region’s farmers, say officials

Mulching is emerging as a more acceptable practice for eco-friendly disposal of agricultural wastes among small and marginal farmers in the region.

Compliance to the National Green Tribunal’s guidelines, improved soil quality and a reduction in pollution were cited as the major factors behind the increased tendency of mulching among farmers.

Deputy Commissioner Viraj Singh Tidke said more farmers had started shunning stubble burning by adopting alternative modes for disposing agricultural waste, including paddy straw and leaves of vegetable plants.

“Having heard about the misleading information being spread among farmers regarding the disadvantages of mulching, we advised officials in the Department of Agriculture to clear farmers’ doubts by organising interactive session at villages falling under their jurisdiction,” said Tidke, maintaining that ADCs Sukhpreet Sidhu and Rimpi Garg were closely monitoring the progress of the campaign launched to spread awareness on the subject among farmers.

Chief Agriculture Officer Dr Dharminderjit Singh said experts had been organising workshops and seminars to educate farmers about the advantages of mulching. Agriculture Development Officer Satinder Kaur explained that a protective layer made by covering the soil with a sheet of material like straw or wood chips helped the soil retain moisture, suppress weeds, regulate temperature and occasionally add nutrients.

Mulching has also emerged as an alternative method to solve the issue of stubble burning in the state as it results in improved soil health, increased crop yield and suppressed weed growth.

Baldev Singh Latala, an office-bearer of the state body of All-India Kisan Sabha, argued the inclusion of farmer leaders and social activists in promoting mulching could yield better results instead of threatening paddy cultivators of punitive action.