Professor Harinder Singh of Mutton village in Ludhiana district has become a green crusader by successfully implementing direct sowing rice (DSR) and crop residue management (CRM) on his farm. His journey began during the 2020 lockdown when he experimented with incorporating paddy straw into the soil instead of burning it, leading to improved soil health and higher yields.
Two-Step Agricultural Revolution
Harinder's first step was adopting CRM on two acres in 2020. By using a surface seeder from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), he turned stubble into protective mulch. This enriched the soil, improved water-holding capacity, reduced pesticide use, and allowed earlier sowing. He then shifted to DSR, cutting water use by nearly one-third and lowering labour costs while suppressing weeds naturally.
Inspiring Fellow Farmers
Harinder actively shares his success with other farmers, demonstrating the benefits of mulching, time savings, and increased yield. He offers to compensate any farmer who incurs losses by following his DSR advice. PAU senior agronomist Jasbir Singh praised Harinder's foresight in addressing water table depletion and promoting chemical-free farming.
Harinder believes that agricultural officials must personally demonstrate these methods to build trust. He emphasizes that crop residue is a resource, not waste, and that sustainable practices can transform farmers into preservers of the planet.
