Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 22: Department of Agriculture, Jammu spearheaded an effort to promote eco-friendly agricultural practices through a field demonstration of the Smart Seeder at Seed Multiplication Farm Chinore (Gajansoo), Marh today. Ram Savak, Director Agriculture Jammu at Seed Multiplication Farm Chinore, stressed the collective responsibility of farmers in curbing environmental contamination, particularly the hazards associated with stubble burning that deteriorate air quality and public health by causing dense smog.
Highlighting the significance of in-situ paddy residue management, Director Agriculture Jammu urged farmers to adopt such technologies for soil health and societal well-being. The field demonstration of the Smart Seeder, guided by Brij Rana, Assistant Agriculture Engineer and Dev Raj, Subject Matter Specialist (Farm Machinery), showcased its ability to plant wheat seeds in a precisely tilled narrow band of soil. This technology ensures optimal seed placement by covering seed rows with soil using furrow closing rollers.
Operating with a 45 to 50 HP tractor, the Smart Seeder boasts a field capacity of 0.4 hectares per hour, consuming fuel at a rate of 5.5 litres per acre. Director Agriculture Jammu emphasized its remarkable performance in facilitating excellent germination, crop stand, and resilience to varying weather conditions.
Mahesh Verma, Joint Director SLUB/Farms who was present on the occasion embraced the Smart Seeder technology, sowing wheat across an area. He stressed the farmers successfully utilized this technology provided by Department of Agriculture, Jammu, expressing contentment with its efficacy in managing crop residues and contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.
Notably, Kulddep Raj, Farm Manager SMF Chinore who was present there on demonstration site also guided the farmers to adopt this technology through department and take benefits of subsidy from Department of Agriculture.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
