From Stubble to Sustainability: DG ICAR Inspires Farmers at Inter-State Travelling Seminar

26 October, 2025, Ludhiana

A high level inter-state travelling seminar on Crop Residue Management (CRM), led by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), concluded after engaging farmers across Punjab and Haryana from October 24-26, 2025. The event featured Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) & DG (ICAR), who championed the need for region-specific strategies. A key policy recommendation put forth was the creation of a "Region-Specific Flexible List of Mandatory Machines for CHCs," arguing that subsidy eligibility should be tailored to local agro-ecology and farmer economics rather than a one-size-fits-all national list.

Dr. Rajbir Singh, DDG (Agricultural Extension), was unequivocal in his address, stating, “Zero crop residue burning is not an option—it is a necessity for sustainable farming.” He emphasized large-scale adoption of in-situ management for long-term agricultural and environmental health.

Dr. Parvender Sheoran, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Ludhiana, expressed concern over the efficient utilization of CRM machinery provided under the project. He advocated for pilot testing of new machines in local conditions before their inclusion in subsidy schemes and encouraged an open dialogue with farmers.

Farmers actively participated, raising significant concerns about the escalated costs and quality assurance of subsidized CRM machinery, and confusion over the suitability and operational support for newer models. In response to these challenges, the DG discussed innovative solutions, including promoting Carbon Credits for farmers who sequester carbon through CRM and offering Social Recognition and preferential access to schemes for "environment protector" villages that consistently avoid burning. To enhance enforcement, the seminar also highlighted the need for Night-Time Enforcement with local accountability.

The itinerary featured impactful visits to farmers’ fields across various villages in Ludhiana, Sangrur, and Barnala in Punjab, as well as Rohtak and Fatehabad in Haryana. The seminar, which included live machinery demonstrations and village interactions, effectively bridged the gap between policymakers and farmers, fostering a collaborative approach toward achieving zero stubble burning.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes, Ludhiana)