LUDHIANA: Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, hosted a stakeholder meeting on Crop Residue Management (CRM), chaired by Vice Chancellor Dr. J.P.S. Gill. The chief guest, Dr. M.L. Jat, Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Secretary, DARE, Government of India, highlighted the encouraging response of farmers toward sustainable residue management practices. The event saw participation from farmers, researchers, extension specialists, and representatives from government and non-government organisations.
The discussions revolved around eco-friendly solutions to curb stubble burning and promote sustainable agriculture. Dr. R.S. Grewal, Director of Extension Education, underscored the harmful impact of paddy straw burning on both humans and animals. Dr. Parvender Sheoran, Director of ATARI Zone-I, appreciated Punjab’s farmers for significantly reducing stubble-burning incidents, noting a 40% decline from last year and a remarkable 98% drop since 2020.
In his presidential address, Dr. Jat urged all stakeholders to work together on skill development, economic viability, custom hiring centres, soil sampling, and long-term CRM impact studies. Farmers practising CRM for over a decade raised concerns about machine availability, subsidies, design changes, and ex situ management challenges.
Dr. Gill shared successful results from using paddy straw as feed and bedding at the university dairy farm. Senior officials from ICAR, PAU, State Departments, and faculty members attended the meeting. Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Education), ICAR, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging Punjab’s improving air quality due to farmers’ cooperation.