1 day ago

Punjab Brothers' Three-Crop Model Ends Six Years of Stubble Burning

Sukhpal and Tarsem are two brothers who farm in Punjab.

They grow several different crops instead of relying on only one.

Their farm is about 105 acres in size.

They grow potatoes for Haldiram and other food companies.

For six years, they have not burned the leftover straw from their paddy fields.

Instead, they mix the straw into the soil.

This helps them prepare the land for more crops.

They say their potato harvest and farm income have increased.

They want more subsidized machines so other farmers can manage straw more easily.

Key facts

Farm size: About 105 acres, including 21 acres owned by the brothers and the remainder leased.
Main crop: Potatoes are grown on approximately 80–85 acres.
Other crops: Wheat, maize, moong and watermelon are also cultivated.
Stubble practice: Paddy residue is incorporated into the soil through mulching instead of being burned.
Potato yield: Reportedly increased from 250–300 bags to 350 bags per acre; each bag weighs 50 kg.
Reported annual savings: About Rs 40,000 per acre, or approximately Rs 42 lakh annually after expenses.
Machinery: The brothers received a subsidized Super Seeder and bought an MB plough and rotavator in 2024.

indianexpress.com · 1 day ago