In a remarkable display of environmental stewardship, Amarjit Singh, a 25-year-old farmer from the quiet village of Hirdapur in Patiala district, has been setting an inspiring example for his community and beyond. For the past seven years, Singh has eschewed the traditional practice of burning paddy stubble, instead using innovative methods to manage it sustainably on his four-acre farm.
Singh’s approach, which involves the use of a Happy Seeder to incorporate stubble into the soil, has not only improved his crop yield but has also contributed to a healthier environment. “The smoke from burning stubble affects everyone around our villages,” Singh noted. “It’s time we put an end to this practice and take better care of our land.”
Before adopting this method, Singh’s fields were plagued by ‘Gully danda’ (Phalaris minor), a weed that hindered the growth of wheat and reduced his yield to approximately three-and-a-half quintals per bigha. Since he started managing stubble without burning it, Singh has seen a dramatic improvement. The weed problem has diminished, and his yield has increased by an additional quintal per bigha. Furthermore, Singh has observed reduced fertilizer usage, minimized waterlogging, and fewer issues with wheat crops falling.
Singh’s efforts are being recognized beyond his local community. Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmad Parray praised Singh for his pioneering work, highlighting him as a role model for other farmers. “We are continually striving to reduce the number of farm fires, and young farmers like Amarjit Singh are leading the way. His methods are a valuable lesson for others in the agricultural community,” Parray stated.
The impact of such practices is visible in recent statistics. Punjab has seen a notable decrease in the number of fires caused by paddy stubble burning. From a high of 83,002 fire incidents in 2020, the number fell to 71,304 in 2021, 49,922 in 2022, and 36,663 in 2023. This represents an overall reduction of 27 percent in fire counts from 2022 to 2023.
Singh’s story is a testament to the positive change that can be achieved through sustainable farming practices. His commitment not only benefits his own farm but also serves as a beacon for others in the agricultural sector to follow suit in adopting environmentally friendly methods.
