Sangrur, Nov. 9 -- Even as the paddy harvest season is nearing its end, Punjab continues to grapple with the problem of stubble burning with over 3,000 cases so far. But a few farmers in the state are setting the right example by finding sustainable alternatives to burning stubble. Among them is Kuljit Singh, 43, who owns eight acres in Fatehgarh Channa village of Sangrur but has not burnt stubble since 2018. Instead, he has been turning the crop residue into a natural fertiliser, which is not just environment friendly but also helps improve soil health. "I initially used the Happy Seeder (2018-2019) and then shifted to the super seeder till 2024, before switching to mulcher and MB reversible plough. The mulcher cuts the crop residue (straw) into fine pieces, which is then mixed with soil using a reversible mould board plough," he said. Kuljit said the practice reduces the requirement for urea and DAP, and eliminates the need for Muriate of Potash (MOP). Another progressive farmer, Gurinderpal Singh from Bhawanigarh, Sangrur, has also not burnt stubble since the past five years. His family owns 52 acres. "I use the free PUSA decomposer spray, which is provided by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra. It breaks down the crop residue within 15 to 20 days," he says. "The yield I get with this process is higher than what I had with the traditional practice of burning residue," he says. In Mansa district, Sukhjit Singh, 38, of Biroke Kalan village has transformed his eight-acre farm into a model of sustainable agriculture. He and his brother adopted stubble management and natural farming practices in 2013 after a personal tragedy. "My brother's son was diagnosed with a congenital disease. When we took him to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, doctors told us that his condition was due to nutrient-deficient soil and exposure to excessive agrochemicals," said Sukhjit. Besides, the sight of animals dying in fields due to stubble burning also left him disturbed. The brothers now incorporate the crop residue back into the soil and also grow crops in rotation. Instead of sticking to the wheat-paddy cycle, they grow gram, pulses, sugarcane, and turmeric as well. "Mulching has dramatically increased the yield, especially for turmeric," he reveals while adding that their cultivationcosts have also dropped by 40-50%. An official privy to the matter said while the practice of incorporating soil back into the fields is good, it also increases the risk of pink stem borer infestation in the next crop. "I have seen the issue during our field visits. There is no subsidy for that," he said. Sangrur chief agriculture officer Dharminderjit lauded the farmers' effort and said that others should also follow these practices. Malerkotla deputy commissioner Viraj S Tidke said, "New solutions like these will give a new direction to Punjab's agriculture and the administration will provide every possible support to such new ventures." Despite repeated attempts, director agriculture Jaswant Singh was not available forcomments....