Inter-State Travelling Seminar on ‘Paddy Straw Management: Advancing Sustainable Farming Practices’ Launched

24 October 2025, Ludhiana

Indian Council of Agricultural Research, through its Krishi Vigyan Kendras under the aegis of ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Ludhiana, launched an Inter-State Travelling Seminar on Crop Residue Management (CRM) from October 24–26, 2025. The initiative brings together key stakeholders from Punjab and Haryana to promote sustainable, science-based, and farmer-centric solutions for managing crop residues. The seminar commenced on October 24 at Goslan village, Samrala block, Ludhiana, with the participation of over 70 farmers, researchers, and extension personnel.

Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, and Dr. Parvender Sheoran, Director, ICAR–ATARI Zone-I, interacted with farmers and discussed innovative, technology-driven approaches to eliminate stubble burning through participatory and community-led interventions.

Dr. Singh commended the significant reduction in stubble burning incidents this year, noting that Punjab recorded only 512 fire counts compared to 1,638 during the same period in 2024. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive agricultural strategy that transitions from conventional residue management practices toward a bioeconomy framework, fostering region-specific, sustainable, and scalable solutions that are socially inclusive, environmentally responsible, and technologically sound.

A live demonstration of the Happy Seeder showcased direct wheat sowing into standing paddy stubble, highlighting its multiple benefits reducing cultivation costs, conserving soil moisture, and improving air quality. Farmers actively shared their field experiences and engaged in discussions on strengthening custom hiring systems, enhancing mechanization efficiency, and promoting crop diversification.

On October 25, 2025, the visiting teams are scheduled to visit villages in Sangrur and Barnala (Punjab) and Jind and Rohtak (Haryana) to observe innovative CRM technologies and successful on-ground adoption models.

The seminar underscores the collective commitment of ICAR, ATARI, and KVKs to empower farmers through cross-learning, collaborative problem-solving, and rapid technology adoption. The initiative represents a major step toward achieving zero stubble burning and advancing climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture across northern India.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Ludhiana and PAU KVK, Samrala)