As the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi dawns upon Punjab, heralding not just the onset of a new agricultural season but also a celebration of prosperity and abundance, the fields of Bondli and Papraudi villages within the Samrala Block have become a testament to the region’s innovative spirit in farming practices.
In a significant development, Sh. KAP Sinha (IAS), the Special Chief Secretary of the Government of Punjab, embarked on a crucial visit to these villages on the eve of Baisakhi. His mission? To assess the performance of the wheat crop sown using the revolutionary Surface Seeder machine—an innovation that has been creating waves in agricultural circles for its potential to transform farming methods in the area.
Accompanied by a team from Punjab Agricultural University, led by the esteemed Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Sh. KAP Sinha plunged into a comprehensive inspection of the crops, eager to witness firsthand the impact of this pioneering technique.
Engaging in fervent discussions with local farmers, including S. Dilbagh Singh, S. Parminder Singh, and S. Harinder Singh, the Special Chief Secretary’s observations were nothing short of encouraging. He lauded the robust growth of the wheat crop, noting its resilience against common pests like aphids and yellow rust, and its remarkable grain development.
Of particular significance was the remarkable uniformity displayed by the wheat sown with the Surface Seeder—an aspect that promises to revolutionize crop cultivation in the region. With a sturdy crop stand and an absence of lodging issues, the potential of this technique to optimize yields and mitigate risks was abundantly clear.
Expressing his satisfaction, Sh. KAP Sinha emphasized the importance of such low-cost, high-impact techniques in transforming the agricultural landscape of Punjab. He urged Chief Agricultural Officers and their teams to emulate similar visits across their respective districts, aiming to popularize this method among farmers and enhance agricultural productivity statewide.
During the insightful discussions, farmers shared their experiences, highlighting the efficiency of the Surface Seeder in enabling them to sow an impressive 10 acres per day, utilizing minimal resources—just 3 to 4 litres of diesel per acre. Moreover, they underscored the reduced requirement for urea and herbicides, further enhancing the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of the technique.
Dr. S.S. Gosal, the Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, hailed the visit as a pivotal moment in dispelling doubts and fostering confidence in innovative farming practices. He commended the farmers for their proactive adoption of the Surface Seeder, acknowledging their role in disseminating its manifold benefits.
Drawing attention to the crucial aspect of residue retention for sustaining soil health, Dr. Gosal elucidated the multifaceted advantages of Surface Seeding-cum-Mulching. From preventing lodging and reducing irrigation and herbicide usage to promoting robust root development and early crop emergence while curbing weed growth—including the troublesome gulli danda (Phalaris minor)—the benefits are manifold and transformative.
As Punjab stands on the cusp of a new era in agriculture, marked by innovation, efficiency, and sustainability, the success story of the Surface Seeder in Bondli and Papraudi villages serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for farmers across the region. With continued support and adoption of such pioneering techniques, Punjab’s agricultural landscape is poised for a bountiful harvest of prosperity and progress.
