Apply online for subsidized surface seeders by September 10: Deputy Commissioner

New technique is cost-effective, eco-friendly, and water-efficient

Jalandhar News: Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Sarangal on Sunday said that the farmers could avail 50% subsidy on surface seeders by applying online on the website of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department agrimachinerypb.com till September 10.

       Divulging the details, the Deputy Commissioner said that surface seeders were developed by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana scheme for better management of crop residue. He said that the machine costs Rs 80,000, and after a 50% subsidy for individual farmers, it will cost Rs 40,000 and 80 percent would be given to the registered farmer groups, custom hiring centers, panchayats, cooperatives, rural entrepreneurs, farmer producer organizations (FPOs). He said that Jalandhar district had a target of giving 200 subsidized surface seeders and Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department had been conducting an intensive awareness drive among the peasantry about the benefits of surface seeders.

       Sarangal said that this technique would cost only Rs 736 per acre for stubble management and wheat sowing, which turns out to be three times less than conventional methods including Happy Seeder (Rs 1660), Smart Seeder (Rs 1725), Super Seeder (Rs 2737), Chopper-wet mixing with rotavator and seed drill (Rs 2886) and others.

       The Deputy Commissioner invited the state’s farmers and various groups associated with farmers to take advantage of subsidies on the purchase of surface seeders and adopt new techniques that will save their money and increase their income. He said that farmers can also meet their District Chief Agriculture Officer for more information.

      Agriculture Engineer Navdeep Singh said that this method was a much low-cost and environment-friendly alternative. He said that paddy harvesting and wheat sowing could be done at the same time.