NewZNew (Chandigarh) : The Punjab Government has issued advisory to the owners of harvesting machines to install spreaders in the harvesting machines and advised that every combine harvesters should be fitted with a rear straw management system(SMS).
Disclosing this here today Mr. Tota Singh Agriculture Minister said that this practice would help avoid straw burning which emanated gases adversely affecting environment and soil fertility. Although the Government has officially banned the burning of paddy stubble under the prevention and control of pollution control of pollution Act, but farmers are not taking the ban seriously. He also said that with the help of modified combine harvesters, farmers could manage straw in a more sustainable manner instead of burning it which caused air pollution and loss of nutrients. Farmers can abandon the practice of excessive application of urea by managing straw which can provide a part of Nitrogen needed by crops. When straw was left to decompose in the field, it enhanced soil quality in the long run.
He also said that farmers associated with Straw Management System (SMS) to go for in situ straw incorporation using cultivator, prepare straw bales using bailer machine. He also said that wheat seeding for the current “Rabi” season must be carried out using new modern machines.
