Scientists visit farmers’ fields in Taraori

A delegation of 15 scientists on Thursday visited the fields of a progressive farmer Vikas Chudhary in Taraori to review conservation agriculture. These scientists are attending the 13th advanced course on conservation agriculture, which is jointly organised by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre, (CIMMYT -Mexico) and Borlaug Institute for South Asia, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in New Delhi. The purpose of the programme is to raise awareness among scientists about conservation agriculture and equip them with strategies to strengthen its adoption among farmers. They will visit different areas during the programme.

Vikas Chaudhary has been practicing these methods for several years. He uses the happy seeder for wheat sowing while retaining stubble in his fields, a technique that promotes zero-tillage farming. This approach not only reduces costs but also enhances the soil's organic carbon, resulting in higher profits and sustainable farming practices.

Dr Deepak, scientist of CIMMYT, highlighted, “We first met Vikas Chaudhary in 2010. Since then, he has successfully adopted conservation agriculture, setting an example for neighbouring farmers who have also embraced these methods.”