Punjab farmer found a profitable solution to burning stubble, earns lakhs of rupees annually

A profitable solution to burning stubble: In places like Punjab, Delhi, and Haryana, one may often see the dense fog caused by stubble burning. In addition to damaging productive fields, pollution puts people’s health at danger for conditions like asthma and bronchitis. Growing up in Punjab, Gurinder Singh was a farmer and saw personally how this fog affected agricultural output and caused health problems. He was motivated to act and alter his ways by this encounter.

Gurinder Singh is originally from Kanoi village in Punjab’s Sangrur district. He has been devoted to farming for more than thirty years; this is a family interest. Rather than follow an alternative professional route, Gurinder, who has a Master’s degree in Punjabi, decided to embrace his farming origins. He was greatly motivated by his family’s long history of farming and decided to plant rice, wheat, and maize on his 22-acre property, of which 17 acres are owned and the other portions are rented.

Using Sustainable Practices to Combat Stubble Burning

Gurinder’s choice to use sustainable farming techniques in 2014 was a turning point in his agricultural philosophy. He stopped the popular practice of burning stubble, which has a negative impact on the environment. Rather, he chose to use a Super Straw Management System (Super SMS) to mulch the collected chaff. This includes cutting the stubble into bits and spreading it throughout the soil’s surface using cutting-edge machinery that is mounted to a combine harvester. When water is applied, the stubble breaks down gradually, adding vital nutrients to the soil and enhancing its fertility. Gurinder said with pride, “Super SMS facilitates our transition to organic farming.” The crumbled stubble may be applied to other crops as manure.”

Neighborhood Projects

Gurinder’s dedication to environmentally friendly farming goes beyond his grounds. He established the Guru Nanak Self-Help Group, and with an 80 percent government subsidy, he was able to purchase the Happy Seeder and Smart Seeder stubble management devices. “These machines are mainly used for stubble management, and we also help other farmers with them whenever they need,” he says. This program promotes a sense of community among nearby farmers in addition to supporting sustainable farming.

Gurinder joined the Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) called FFPCL, which was founded by a friend, after realizing the value of teamwork. The FPO is still in its infancy, but they have big aspirations to process and market goods like maize flour and mustard oil. With over 200 members, the FPO is a testament to the possibilities of teamwork in agriculture.

Technological Progress

Gurinder’s usage of contemporary agricultural equipment and technology is indicative of his progressive outlook. He uses cutting-edge tools like the happy seeder and smart seeder to increase output and efficiency. His creative strategy makes sure that his farming methods are in line with current agricultural breakthroughs and sustainable as well.

Attempts to Conserve the Environment

In addition to his work in agriculture, Gurinder has had a big impact on environmental preservation. His younger brother led a tree-planting campaign that saw some 2,000 trees planted in their hamlet during his tenure as the local sarpanch from 2013 to 2018. In order to dispose of wastewater, they also built a sewage system, which greatly enhanced the village’s sanitation. “Environmental conservation is crucial in today’s world, and we are putting all our efforts into using sustainable practices to minimize harm to the environment,” Gurinder says.

Acknowledgment and Education

Gurinder has received many accolades from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) for his commitment to sustainable farming. Even if he hasn’t yet won a national honor, many people are aware of and value his work. He has also received instruction at KVK Sangrur in the water-saving method of direct rice planting, commonly known as dry sowing (without transplantation). Gurinder stresses the necessity to stop stubble burning in order to minimize pollution, and she counsels other farmers to use water sparingly and only when necessary. He highlights the importance of soil conservation and water conservation in lowering air pollution by quoting Shri Guru Nanak Ji, the first Guru of the Sikhs, who said, “Pavan Guru Pani Pita Mata Dharath Mahat,” which translates to, “Wind is the teacher, Water is the father, and Earth is the great mother.”

Adding Dairy Farming to Your Portfolio

Gurinder engages in dairy farming in addition to farming. Six of his seven buffaloes are of the Murrah breed, while the other one is of the Nilli Ravi breed. This business endeavor adds to his revenue stream and strengthens his financial position. Gurinder makes around Rs 20 lakh per year from his combined efforts in dairy farming and agriculture.

A Future Sustainably

Gurinder Singh’s path is proof of the effectiveness of community support, technical innovation, and sustainable agricultural methods. His commitment to farming and the environment is an amazing role model for farmers worldwide. His narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the value of creativity, teamwork, and environmental responsibility in contemporary agriculture. Gurinder Singh’s adoption of sustainable methods and encouragement of community initiatives is setting the stage for Punjab’s future to be both more wealthy and environmentally friendly.