Tackling paddy stubble: Super Seeder machine to be launched today

Amar Singh, president of Combine-harvester Association of Punjab and the owner of Dashmesh, a farm implement manufacturing unit, said the machine had been manufactured by Dashmesh.

“We have invited Dr Dhillon to show its operation on the field and also we will show him the result of wheat field that was sown last week with Super Seeder and seek his suggestions,” said Amar Singh.

The cost of the machine is 1.95 lakh and it can be used for sowing other crops throughout the year including maize, pulses and even it can be used only for ploughing purposes, added Singh.

The machine will mix standing paddy stubble of 12 to 18 inches into soil and then sows seed of wheat is sown 2-3 deep inches with it. Also it cuts down the consumption of seed by about 10 per cent. In one hectare area here is a need of one quintal wheat seed with traditional sowing method.

At present, Happy Seeder machine is being used to sow wheat in standing stubble but it does not mix the stubble in the soil. PAU V-C Dr Dhillon said they would watch the operation of Super Seeder in Malerkotla and some farm implement experts would also accompany him Monday.

In Punjab, over 200 lakh tonnes paddy stubble is produced every year and around 75 per cent of it is burnt in the fields only.