List of Top Implements to Manage Stubble Burning in India

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Top Farming Machines to Manage Stubble Burning
  • Happy Seeder
  • Super Seeder
  • Zero Till
  • Mulcher
  • Shredder
  • Straw Reaper
  • Hay Rake
  • Baler
• Conclusion

Introduction

Stubble burning is widespread in Punjab and to a lesser extent in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. It is because it is the easiest way available to farmers to get rid of crop residues. It helps them save time between the harvest of Paddy and sowing of Wheat. However, the effect of it is felt in the nearby Delhi-NCR.

Successive state governments and Central governments have tried to address it either through giving one-time cash incentive or outlawing the stubble burning. But the most important has been providing subsidy on farming machines as an alternative solution.

 In 2018, Promotion of Agricultural Mechanisation for In-situ Management of Crop Residues in State of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi was launched. Under the scheme, a subsidy of 50% is given on purchase of crop residue management implements like Happy Seeder.

Top Farming Machines to Manage Stubble Burning

In this section, let us look at top farming machines to tackle and manage stubble burning. The top crop residue management implements include Happy Seeder, Mulcher, Baler, Rotary Slasher, and Shredder, among others.

Happy Seeder

• The Happy Seeder is an innovative machine designed to combat stubble burning. It efficiently cuts the residue from the previous crop while sowing new seeds directly into the soil.
• This process promotes soil health, conserves moisture, and eliminates the need for burning stubble.

Super Seeder

• The Super Seeder is a revolutionary machine that addresses the issue of crop residue management.
• This innovative seeder sow seeds directly into the soil while cutting and incorporating crop residues, eliminating the need for post-harvest burning.
• Promoting sustainable farming practices, the Super Seeder minimises air pollution, improves soil health, and conserves water resources.

Zero Till

• Zero Till is an innovative agricultural equipment to combat stubble burning, a significant contributor to air pollution and climate change.
• It involves planting seeds directly into untilled soil, avoiding the need to burn crop residues after harvesting. Farmers enrich the soil and reduce water evaporation by preserving the previous crop's residues as mulch.
• Zero Till enhances soil health, conserves water, and curbs greenhouse gas emissions, making it a sustainable technique to mitigate stubble burning and improve air quality.

Mulcher

• A Mulcher efficiently cuts and shreds crop residue, turning it into mulch that can be left on the field.
• This process helps retain soil moisture, improves soil fertility, and reduces the need for excessive tilling.
• Promoting the adoption of mulchers help farmers restrict stubble burning, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and foster sustainable farming practices.

Shredder

• A Shredder efficiently cuts and chops crop residue into smaller pieces, facilitating its incorporation into the soil as organic matter.
• By shredding the stubble, farmers can avoid the harmful practice of burning, which contributes to air pollution, health hazards, and environmental degradation.
• Shredders promote sustainable farming practices, enhance soil fertility, and reduce the need for chemical fertilisers.

Straw Reaper

• The Straw Reaper is a vital agricultural machine used in India to combat the practice of stubble burning.
• Once the combine harvester has cut the crops, farmers use this innovative equipment to efficiently cut and collect leftover crop residues.
• By doing so, the straw is repurposed as fodder or raw material for various applications, reducing its accumulation and promoting eco-friendly practices.
• Adopting Straw Reaper significantly curbs air pollution caused by stubble burning. It enhances soil fertility and crop productivity.

Hay Rake

• After the harvest, farmers can use Hay Rake to collect cut straw and gather it into windrows for later collection with the help of baler.
• By gathering these residues, farmers can then repurpose them as fodder for livestock or use them as organic matter for composting.
• Encouraging the adoption of hay rakes in agricultural practices can play a vital role in mitigating the harmful effects of stubble burning and promoting a greener, more sustainable environment in India.

Baler

• Large amounts of crop residue or stubble are left on the fields after harvesting crops like rice and wheat. These residues are traditionally burned to prepare the land for the next planting season. However, this practice causes severe air pollution and contributes to climate change.
• Farmers can efficiently collect and compact the crop residue into bales by utilising Balers, which can be easily stored or used as animal fodder. It can also be used to make biogas for commercial purposes.
• Using balers can help reduce stubble burning, promote sustainable agriculture, and protect the environment.

Conclusion

The issue of stubble burning in India is a significant environmental concern that needs urgent attention. The farm implements mentioned above offer viable alternatives to stubble burning, enabling farmers to manage crop residues more effectively and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

By embracing these innovative technologies, farmers can play a vital role in mitigating the impacts of stubble burning on the environment and human health.

Moreover, these solutions not only reduce air pollution but also enhance soil fertility, leading to more sustainable and prosperous agriculture in India.