Crop Residue Management Demonstration Day Held at Nurpur Bet, Punjab

14 October 2025, Ludhiana

ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone I, Ludhiana, in collaboration with Punjab Agricultural University Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Samrala, organized a Crop Residue Management Demonstration and Awareness Programme at Nurpur Bet, Ludhiana, on 14 October 2025. The event aimed to promote sustainable residue management practices among farmers and demonstrate innovative technologies for in-situ management of paddy straw, thereby discouraging residue burning and promoting conservation agriculture.

The event was graced by the presence of Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, as the Chief Guest, along with S. Ravneet Singh Bittu, Minister of State for Railways & Food Processing Industries.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan reaffirmed the Government of India’s strong commitment to eliminating crop residue burningdescribing it as not only an environmental imperative but also a crucial step toward ensuring farmers’ welfare, soil health, and cleaner air. He emphasized the importance of awareness and collective responsibility, urging village panchayats, local representatives, and nodal officers to actively engage in outreach activities. He further stressed that subsidies and machinery support must directly reach farmers without delay or leakage, and called for real-time monitoring of residue burning through satellite data, hotspot identification, and strict enforcement. Setting a personal example, he announced that he would personally sow wheat directly after paddy harvest to encourage farmers through demonstration.

Other eminent dignitaries included Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR); Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR; Dr. S.N. Jha, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Engineering); Dr. D.K. Yadav, Deputy Director General (Crop Science); Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU; Dr. Parvender Sheoran, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone I; Dr. Gurdeep Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer, Ludhiana; and Dr. V.K. Rampal, among others.

Dr. Jat highlighted ICAR’s pivotal role in research, awareness, and extension related to residue management. He stated that “zero crop residue burning is not an option it is a necessity for sustainable farming,” and advocated for large-scale adoption of SSMS-equipped combine harvesters and direct sowing methods. He stated that these practices conserve water, reduce labor, improve soil fertility, and prevent the loss of nutrients and organic matter caused by burning.

Experts from PAU and various ICAR institutes shared insights from recent trials, research innovations in residue decomposition, cost–benefit analyses, and regional adaptations of CRM machinery. Central and state officials discussed policy measures, incentive schemes, and strategies to expand the adoption of CRM technologies in vulnerable regions.

The programme featured live field demonstrations of PAU’s Super Straw Management System, Smart Seeder, and Happy Seeder, highlighting their efficiency in managing crop residues and preparing fields for the next crop. An agricultural drone demonstration further showcased modern precision technologies for crop monitoring and efficient land management.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone I, Ludhiana)