PAU students raise awareness on harmful effects of paddy straw burning through nukad natak

Ludhiana, September 24, 2024: Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) students, under the Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) Programme, organized a farmers' camp on paddy straw management in Jassar village. The event, held in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and students from Guru Nanak National College (GNNC), Doraha, focused on educating farmers about sustainable alternatives to crop residue burning.

The camp was attended by notable dignitaries, including Chief Agricultural Officer (CAO) Dr. Parkash Singh, Block Development Officer (BDO) Nirmal Singh, Dr. Lovleen Kaur, Professor at GNNC, Doraha, and Agricultural Development Officer (ADO) Sarinder Singh.

During the camp, CAO Dr. Parkash Singh emphasized the importance of using modern agricultural tools like smart seeders for wheat sowing, while BDO Nirmal Singh encouraged farmers to utilize paddy straw as a nutrient to improve soil health. ADO Sarinder Singh informed attendees about government schemes and subsidies for purchasing agricultural machinery such as the super seeder.

A key highlight of the event was a powerful ‘nukkad natak’ (street play) performed by students of PAU and Guru Nanak National College under the guidance of Dr. Lovleen Bains. The performance vividly portrayed the harmful effects of paddy straw burning on the environment and urged farmers to adopt sustainable, eco-friendly practices. The impactful message resonated with the audience and was met with applause.

Tejinder Singh, Sarpanch of Jassar village, expressed gratitude to all the participants for their active involvement. Dr. Kuldeep Singh and Dr. Devinder Tiwari of PAU commended the students for their efforts in promoting sustainable farming practices and raising awareness about the harmful effects of paddy straw burning.