PAU, CII team up to curb stubble burning with surface seeding tech
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Gurugram, to promote and disseminate the innovative ‘Simultaneous sowing of wheat while harvesting rice’ technology and surface seeder machine developed by the university. The partnership aims to address state’s chronic problem of paddy straw burning by providing farmers with a practical and eco-friendly solution that integrates harvesting and sowing into a single streamlined operation.
The MoU was signed in the office of Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU. Representing CII was Sunil Kumar Misra, CEO, and principal adviser, who was accompanied by Chandrakant Pradhan, project lead at the CII Foundation and Tahir Hussain, project leader. The agreement outlines a collaborative framework under which the CII will support awareness, training and outreach activities while the PAU will offer the technical know-how, conduct field demonstrations and fulfil participatory research component for the technology.
The unique technique involves existing combine harvester fitted with a specially developed seeding attachment that sows wheat seeds and applies basal fertiliser directly to the field at the time of rice harvesting. This layer conserves soil moisture, suppresses weed growth and improves soil organic matter, eliminating the need for post-harvest burning of paddy residue.
Lauding the time-tested alliance with the CII, Dr Gosal said: “The MoU is a forward-looking initiative to bring the academic rigour of the PAU and the industry dynamism of the CII onto a common platform.”
