Himachal model reduces stubble burning, says agri varsity VC

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, October 25

Farmers of Punjab and Haryana, who were burning paddy straw causing severe environmental damage, have some learning to do from farmers of the state.

As per HK Chaudhary, Vice-Chancellor of CSK HP Agriculture University, the farmers of Punjab, Haryana and other states should adopt straw management model of state’s farmers to utilise it efficiently.

Uses of paddy straw suggested

• The university has recommended that the paddy straw could be converted into a nutritious fodder to be fed to animals
• Paddy straw can also be used in packing of fruits and other delicate agricultural and horticultural produces
• It can also be used to make mats, ropes and mixed with mud to make paste to construct sheds as well as to plaster walls

He said not even a single case of stubble burning was reported in the state since long. The farming community had developed and used various technologies to utilise this bio-resource scientifically. Now, the agriculture university had identified and developed some scientific interventions for better utilisation of paddy straw, including using straw in animal feed, he said. Chaudhary said the university had recommended various ways and means to utilise this valuable by-product of rice cultivation in animal feeding.