Department of Agriculture, Jammu spearheaded an effort to promote eco-friendly agricultural practices through a field demonstration of the Smart Seeder here at Seed Multiplication Farm Chinore (Gajansoo), Marh.
The field demonstration of the Smart Seeder, guided by Er.Brij Rana, Assistant Agriculture Engineer and Er.Dev Raj, Subject Matter Specialist (Farm Machinery), showcased its ability to plant wheat seeds in a precisely tilled narrow band of soil. This technology ensures optimal seed placement by covering seed rows with soil using furrow closing rollers.
Operating with a 45 to 50 HP tractor, the Smart Seeder boasts a field capacity of 0.4 hectares per hour, consuming fuel at a rate of 5.5 litres per acre. Director Agriculture Jammu emphasized its remarkable performance in facilitating excellent germination, crop stand, and resilience to varying weather conditions.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Agriculture Jammu, Ram Savak, stressed the collective responsibility of farmers in curbing environmental contamination, particularly the hazards associated with stubble burning that deteriorate air quality and public health by causing dense smog.
Highlighting the significance of in-situ paddy residue management, the Director Agriculture urged farmers to adopt latest technologies to maintain soil health and societal well-being. Mahesh Verma, Joint Director SLUB/Farms, who was present on the occasion, welcomed the Smart Seeder technology, sowing wheat across an area.
He advised the farmers to utilize this technology provided by Department of Agriculture, while expressing contentment with its efficacy in managing crop residues and contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. Kulddep Raj, Farm Manager SMF Chinore also guided the farmers to adopt this technology through department and take benefits of subsidy from Department of Agriculture.