The Department of Geography, School of Environment and Earth Sciences, Central University of Punjab, under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra Prasad Tiwari, in association with the Institute for Inclusive Policy and Governance (IIPG) and Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini (RMP), successfully organized a National Conference on “Ecological Crop Residue Management: Impacts, Challenges and Pathways to Resilience” at the University campus.
The conference brought together eminent policymakers, academicians, agricultural experts, environmentalists, and farmer leaders to deliberate on sustainable solutions for crop residue management and alternatives to paddy cultivation. The event focused on addressing the environmental and socio-economic challenges arising from stubble burning while exploring resilient and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
Distinguished dignitaries who participated in the conference included Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Former Member of Parliament and Vice Chairman of RMP; Prof. (Dr.) Adarsh Pal Vig, Former Chairman, Punjab Pollution Control Board; Padma Shri Awardee and progressive farmer Sh. Kanwal Singh Chauhan; Sh. Pasha Patel, Chairman, State Agricultural Price Commission, Government of Maharashtra; Sh. Bhupinder Singh Mann, Former Member of Parliament and President, Bharatiya Kisan Union; Prof. Pushpinder Singh Gill, Vice-Chancellor, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University; Dr. Vijay Sharma, Registrar, Central University of Punjab; along with Dr. Manish, Prof. Rajan Bhandari, and Dr. Bharti.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe emphasized the need for a policy-driven and community-oriented approach towards ecological agriculture. He highlighted that sustainable crop residue management should be linked with rural development, environmental protection, and farmer welfare. Sh. Pasha Patel stressed the importance of crop diversification and climate-resilient agricultural practices, while Prof. (Dr.) Adarsh Pal Vig discussed the environmental and public health impacts of stubble burning in North India.
Padma Shri Awardee Sh. Kanwal Singh Chauhan shared practical experiences related to in-situ crop residue management and advocated farmer-led innovations. The conference featured three thematic sessions focusing on stubble burning trends and ecological impacts, policy and ground-level challenges, innovative solutions in crop residue management, and sustainable policy pathways for resilient agriculture.
An exhibition showcasing alternatives to paddy farming and innovative utilization of crop residue was also installed by Kheti Virasat Mission Punjab. To create awareness among rural communities regarding sustainable agricultural alternatives and effective crop residue management, a rally was flagged off from the Central University of Punjab campus by university faculty members, the IIPG team, and representatives of Kheti Virasat Mission Punjab.
On this occasion, Dr. Vijay Sharma, Registrar, expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests for gracing the event. Towards the conclusion, Prof. Rajan Bhandari, Conference Convenor, thanked the participants, including students and residents from Bathinda district, for their enthusiastic participation and support in making the programme successful.
The conference concluded with policy recommendations and discussions on farmers’ concerns, emphasizing collaborative, farmer-centric, and sustainable approaches to ecological agriculture. More than 316 participants from Punjab and neighboring states attended the conference.