KISAN MELA AT ABOHAR: EMPHASIS GIVEN ON STUBBLE MANAGEMENT

Raj Sadosh/Abohar.

A grand farmers’ fair was organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra in collaboration with ICAR-CIPHET (Central Institute of Post Crop Engineering and Technology) Regional Centre, Abohar. The main objective of the fair was to make farmers aware about crop residue management, natural farming, balanced and proper use of fertilizers, food processing and modern farming techniques, as well as to promote sustainable farming practices.

The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Director ICAR-ATARI, Ludhiana, Dr. Parvinder Sheoran. Other special guests included Dr. Rajesh Kumar Vishwakarma, Dr. Amit Nath, Dr. Anil Sangwan, Dr. J.K. Arora, Dr. Arvind Kumar Ahlawat and Dr. Mandeep Singh. Apart from this, Kuldeep Singh Shergill (Markhai), Kulwant Singh and Subrat Singh Balot IAS were special guests.

More than 60 exhibition stalls were set up in the fair, showcasing advanced seeds, agricultural inputs, products of Self Help Groups (SHGs), modern farm machinery, farming technologies and activities related to food processing.

Special emphasis was given on crop residue (stubble) management. Farmers were encouraged to manage paddy stubble in the fields instead of burning it. They were urged to manage crop residue effectively by using ‘Super Seeder’, ‘Happy Seeder’, ‘Smart Seeder’, ‘Surface Seeder’ and other such farm machines. Experts said that proper management of crop residue (stubble) helps in maintaining soil quality, reducing environmental pollution and increasing the amount of organic matter in the soil.

Farmers and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) were informed about opportunities for processing of agricultural produce, quality improvement, product diversification and setting up agro-based enterprises.