Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan interacts with farmers at Kisan Chaupal in Nurpur Bet, Ludhiana, and reviews agricultural machinery

 Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, during his visit to Punjab today, interacted with farmers at a Kisan Chaupal in Nurpur Bet village, Ludhiana, observed live demonstrations of agricultural machinery, and visited the ‘Samanyu Honey’ Beekeeping Centre in Doraha village.

At Nurpur Bet, Shri Chouhan witnessed a live demonstration of the Super Straw Management System (SSMS)-fitted combine harvester used for paddy harvesting and the Happy Smart Seeder machine designed for wheat sowing.

Speaking to the media, the Union Minister commended the farmers of Nurpur Bet, noting that the village has not engaged in stubble burning since 2017 and has instead adopted sustainable residue management practices. Shri Chouhan explained that after the use of combines, a large portion of the stubble remains evenly spread across the field, making it easier to manage. The Happy Smart Seeder, the Union Minister said, represents an advanced technique that simultaneously covers the stubble, compacts the soil, and ensures efficient seed placement. Shri Chouhan highlighted that using modern agricultural machines saves farmers’ labour, time, and money.

The Union Agriculture Minister further explained that adopting proper stubble management and direct seeding methods improves soil fertility over time. “Within two years, the nitrogen content in the soil will increase, reducing the need for urea, while crop yields will rise by about two quintals per acre,” Shri Chouhan said, urging all farmers to avoid stubble burning and to manage crop residue responsibly.

Later, the Union Minister visited the ‘Samanyu Honey’ Beekeeping Centre in Doraha, where he interacted with local farmers and reviewed new models and innovations in beekeeping practices. He also discussed various government schemes related to apiculture and rural livelihoods and assured continued support to promote such sustainable income-generating activities.