Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain on Friday urged farmers to adopt crop residue management (CRM) practices and avoid burning stubble to protect the environment, safeguard human health, and maintain soil fertility. The Deputy Commissioner encouraged farmers to use CRM machines provided by the Agriculture department for this purpose to facilitate farmers.
Addressing a large gathering of farmers at the local city centre during a district level training camp on Kharif crops organized by the Punjab Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare department, the Deputy Commissioner said that farmers should avoid burning wheat and paddy residue in their fields. She called for collective efforts to make Hoshiarpur a leading district in effective crop residue management with zero farm fire.
She emphasized that proper handling of crop residue is essential to protect the nature and maintain human health, and urged everyone to take this issue seriously. The Deputy Commissioner informed that, in view of declining groundwater levels, the state government will provide a subsidy of Rs 17,500 per hectare for maize cultivation.
Additionally, farmers adopting direct seeding of paddy will receive financial assistance of Rs 1,500. She advised farmers to focus on high-income crops and supplement their earnings by creating value-added products with the help of Self Help Groups (SHGs).
She assured that the administration will extend full support for crop residue management and other agricultural needs. Jain also urged farmers to avail benefits under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme and ensure their registration so they can continue receiving scheme benefits smoothly in the future.
She informed that digital crop surveys are being conducted online under the crop survey for accurate girdawari in the district which will help to maintain proper crop records and ensure fair compensation in case of natural calamities. She added that the district administration has made all necessary arrangements for the procurement of the wheat crop, and farmers will not face any difficulties.
During the camp, experts from the Punjab Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Department and the team from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) sensitised farmers about the latest agricultural techniques. Chief Agriculture Officer Dr. Deepinder Singh Sandhu also advised farmers to get their soil tested and use fertilizers according to their soil health card based on test results.
He said the department is committed to providing quality fertilizers, seeds, and agrochemicals to farmers. Associate Director of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dr. Maninder Singh Bauns,along with his team, provided detailed information on crop residue management, vegetable cultivation, improved seeds, crop technologies, and agroforestry.
On this occasion, District Training Officer Hoshiarpur, Deepak Puri, thanked the experts and farmers for participating in the training camp. Apart from officials from various departments, a large number of farmers from different villages of the district attended the camp.
General Secretary, Trade Wing Punjab and Member Excise and Taxation Amit Negi, and Member Zila Parishad Jahan Khelan Kuljit Singh were also present at the event. The Deputy Commissioner, along with officials, agriculture experts, and Self Help Groups, visited the exhibition stalls set up at the camp and interacted with farmers and experts.