ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Tuesday announced developing a new technology/machine which sows wheat in rice residue -without disturbing the soil.
Handling of the combine harvested paddy residue has been becoming a great concern to the farmers in rice-wheat cropping system. The residue is either removed or spread in the field manually.
In general, farmers prefer to burn it as an easy and cost-effective method of disposal. However, burning of residue not only results in loss of precious crop nutrients but also poses a great threat to the environment, human health and economy.
The smog restricts road and air traffic and causes respiratory problems for human/ animal health.
New machine -PAK Seeder- sows wheat in rice residue without disturbing the soil as well rice residue from field.
Officials claim that rice-wheat growers can conserve their resources, time and money by adopting this technology, which will not only improve soil biological and physical health as well as increases wheat and rice crop yields.
“burning of rice residue is a big problem for Pakistan as well South Asian countries and Pak Seeder is breakthrough for rice-wheat growers of Pakistan, which will not only save the time and resources but also enhance our crop production”, official said.
Engr Shabbir Kalwar explained the technology in detail. Dr Anjum Ali Butter explained the problems faced by farmers of rice-wheat system due to burning of rice straw and created problem of SMOG during the months of November and December.
He emphasized on importance of farmers’ role and their cooperation with machinery manufactures and researchers in further development of PAK Seeder.