Stakeholders meet organized on promotion of crop residue management

One day stakeholders meet under promotion of agricultural mechanization for in-situ crop residue management was organized by ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone-II, Jodhpur at ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal.

During inaugural session, Dr RRB Singh, Director, NDRI Karnal expressed his concerned that burning crop residue causes phenomenal pollution problem in the atmosphere and huge nutritional loss and physical health deterioration to the soil. Apart from loss of nutrients, some of the soil properties like soil temperature, pH, moisture, available phosphorus and soil organic matter are greatly affected due to burning. He appreciated the collective efforts of Krishi Vigyan Kendras of Haryana and Delhi to mitigate situation and to create awareness among farming community. He also emphasized on multi-stakeholders’ participation at local level and focus on youth, women and socially disadvantaged group for addressing this issue.

Dr M.S. Meena, Principal Scientist from ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Jodhpur gave a brief account of progress made by KVKs on capacity building, environment building and sensitization of the farming community during 2018-19. He appealed for promotion of in-situ management of crop residue by retention and incorporation into the soil using appropriate mechanization inputs. Dr Meena also stressed on developing innovative systems like farmers cooperatives and service window.

ATARI Jodhpur invited guest lectures also for latest technological updates on crop residue management with the stakeholders. Farmers of Haryana and Delhi who are implementing this project also shared their field experiences with experts and farmers.

Dr H N Meena, Project Investigator of this project narrated the plan of project for 2019-20 and also proposed vote of thanks.