Progressive farmer Amarinder Singh of Village Khakata Khurd sets an example in paddy straw management
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ September 26,2024
Amarinder Singh, a progressive farmer from village Khakata Khurd in Patiala district, has become a role model for sustainable agriculture by effectively managing paddy straw within his fields. Through this approach, he has demonstrated a highly productive and eco-friendly farming method.
Amarinder Singh, who farms 19 acres of land, shared that after harvesting paddy last year, he used mulching techniques for sowing wheat, with costs amounting to just Rs. 300 per acre.
Reflecting on his six-year experience of farming without burning straw, Amarinder Singh emphasized that incorporating straw back into the soil acts like “desi ghee,” greatly benefiting the land. This method has not only enhanced soil fertility but also reduced the reliance on chemical fertilizers. Additionally, it strengthens the wheat crop, and boosts the soil’s water retention capacity. For the upcoming season, he plans to mulch 10 acres and utilize a super seeder for the remaining 10 acres.
The environmentally conscious 44-year-old has also implemented rainwater harvesting by constructing a 100-foot wide and 15-foot deep pond in his field. This pond collects and stores rainwater, which he then uses for irrigation, thereby minimizing groundwater usage.
Amarinder Singh encouraged fellow farmers to follow suit by integrating paddy straw into their soil, as it not only increases productivity but also helps in reducing environmental pollution.
