Khakata Khurd farmer sets example with eco-friendly farming practices

Amarinder Singh, a progressive farmer, from Khakata Khurd village in the district, has become a role model for many with his sustainable agriculture practices for managing paddy straw effectively.

He employed a highly productive and eco-friendly farming method.

Amarinder, who farms 19 acres of land, said after harvesting paddy last year he used the mulching technique to sow wheat at a cost of Rs 300 per acre.

Reflecting on his six-year experience of farming without burning straw, Amarinder emphasised incorporating straw back into the soil. He remarked it worked lik “desi ghee,” greatly benefiting the land.

This method not only enhanced soil fertility but also reduced reliance on chemical fertilisers, he said. Additionally, it strengthened the wheat crop and gave a boost to the soil’s water retention capacity.

In the upcoming season, he plans on mulching 10 acres and utilise a super-seeder for the remaining 10 acres, he said.

The environmentally conscious 44-year-old has also implemented rainwater harvesting by constructing a 100-feet wide and 15-feet deep pond in his field. This pond collects and stores rainwater, which he then uses for irrigation, thereby minimising the use of groundwater.

Amarinder encouraged his fellow farmers to follow suit by integrating paddy straw into their soil, as it not only increased productivity but also helped reduce pollution.