Ludhiana DC urges farmers to adopt direct seeding technique for sowing paddy

Ludhiana, June 14, 2024: Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney on Friday urged the farmers to adopt direct seeding technique for sowing paddy instead of the conventional flooding method. 

After inaugurating a district-level farmers' training and exhibition camp in Khanna, Deputy Commissioner addressed the farmers and mentioned that this technique, known as ridge farming or direct paddy transplantation, involves sowing paddy on ridges without flooding the entire fields. It significantly reduces water usage for paddy cultivation and eliminates the need for stubble burning. Additionally, the farmers who adopt this technique can receive financial aid of Rs 1500 from the government after registering with the department. Assistance from the department would also be given on how to register online before June 30 and farmers can contact 8427200330 for the same. Further, she also exhorted the farmers to take maximum benefit of the Government's scheme for plantation at the tubewell. Saplings were also distributed at this camp

Deputy Commissioner Sawhney emphasized the importance of not burning paddy stubble and encouraged farmers to use new techniques such as happy seeder, super seeder, and surface seeder to mix stubble into the soil, improving soil fertility. She also directed the agriculture department officials to conduct awareness campaign to guide and motivate farmers to adopt these conservation practices. 

Joint Director Gurjit Singh Brar also inaugurated an exhibition on Kharif crops there. 

Prominent figures present at the event included SDM Dr Baljinder Singh Dhillon, Chief Agriculture Officer Dr. Parkash Singh, and other department officials.