Stubble management has always remained an issue both for the agricultural scientists and farmers. Where the farmers find stubble as a problem to get rid off, the agricultural scientists mentioned stubble brings incredible benefits which can transform farmers into energy providers. As Kharif harvesting season is almost over, the agricultural experts are urging farmers to adopt sustainable stubble management practices instead of burning crop residue, highlighting significant long-term economic and environmental advantages. Dr Shekhar Singh Baghel, Senior Scientist and Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Seoni, issued a crucial appeal to the farming community.

 

He noted that in the rush to clear fields quickly for the upcoming sowing season, farmers often make the critical mistake of burning stubble (narwai). This practice degrades fertile soil, damages public health, threatens biodiversity, and turns productive land barren. According to scientific analysis, burning crop residues destroys beneficial soil organisms, including earthworms, bacteria and fungi, which maintain soil vitality. High temperatures from burning severely dry out topsoil, causing it to harden like stone and reducing its water retention capacity. Across several districts in Madhya Pradesh, widespread stubble burning has led to a severe depletion of organic matter in the soil. An average hectare yields approximately 5 to 6 tonnes of crop residue.

 

Decomposing 5 tonnes of stubble yields 800 to 1,000 kilograms of humus, a dark, nutrient-rich organic substance formed when plant material and organic matter break down in the soil. Dr Baghel emphasised the necessity of obtaining a Soil Health Card through soil testing before sowing. Applying chemical fertilizers without prior soil analysis acts as a chemical hazard to the land. Balanced, test-based fertilization ensures cost efficiency and preserves long-term land health. Dr Baghel, while mentioning about the advantages of retaining organic carbon and humus in soil, added that it creates soft, crumbly soil that retains moisture effectively like a sponge, prevents chemical fertilizers and vital nutrients from washing away and provides essential food and habitat for beneficial soil microbes, enhancing overall soil fertility and crop yields.

 

By incorporating stubble into the soil using waste decomposers and timely plowing, farmers can observe significant improvements including increased soil strength, higher water retention, reduced input costs, improved root growth and reduced fuel costs and enhanced crop productivity. Under the guidance of Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya and local Krishi Vigyan Kendras, agricultural authorities aim to increase farm income without compromising future generations’ health. Transforming agriculture into a profitable and sustainable enterprise remains a shared responsibility. For technical assistance or machinery support, farmers can contact their nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Department of Agriculture, or Agricultural Engineering Department.