Farmers are now focusing on advanced wheat varieties that require less water as they prepare for the upcoming Rabi season. During the agricultural fair, seeds worth approximately INR 2.39 crores were sold, including varieties of wheat, mustard, chickpeas, fenugreek, lentils, barley, berseem, oats, and maize. Alongside seed purchases, farmers gained valuable insights into new farming techniques, irrigation systems, and modern agricultural machinery.
The two-day agricultural fair (Rabi) held at Haryana Agricultural University attracted over 39,000 farmers from across Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab. To educate farmers about the latest advancements in agriculture, 262 stalls were set up, providing certified seeds of advanced Rabi crop varieties. The fair also offered services such as soil and water testing, while educating farmers on the benefits of organic and natural farming methods.
Professor B.R. Kamboj, Vice-Chancellor of Haryana Agricultural University, noted the increasing demand for crop varieties developed by the university, which boast high yields and superior quality. To date, the university has developed 295 advanced crop varieties, now sought after in various states. During the fair, wheat varieties WH 1142 and WH 1184, which thrive with less water, and mustard varieties RH 1424 and RH 761, were especially popular among farmers. Fodder crops like multi-cut oat varieties HJ 8 and HFO 707 also saw significant interest.
At the fair, agricultural scientists underscored the importance of crop residue management. Farmers were advised to integrate crop residues back into the soil to increase organic content, adopt crop diversification, and implement water conservation techniques. This approach is critical for enhancing agricultural productivity and addressing climate change challenges, particularly by promoting water-efficient crop varieties.
Addressing the Need for Effective Crop Residue Management: Farmers were informed about the detrimental effects of leaving crop residues such as straw, stubble, and stalks on the fields post-harvest. These residues can pollute the environment, degrade soil health, and negatively impact the atmosphere, as well as human and animal health. The growing use of combine harvesters has exacerbated the issue, leaving large amounts of residue in the fields, which underscores the need for effective management practices.
.jpg "Government new initiative to promote regenerative farming in India")
