Gurinder Pal Singh Zaildar, who lives in Bhawangarh village in Sangrur district of Punjab, has made a special identity in the agriculture sector by using protected farming and organic techniques. Gurinder has made a unique contribution to increasing production and protecting the environment by adopting the latest methods of agriculture on his 16-20 acres of land. He has not only used new techniques in agriculture but has also become a source of inspiration for other farmers.
What is protected cultivation?
Protected Cultivation is an agricultural system in which crops are grown in a controlled environment by protecting them from adverse conditions of the external environment. In this method, the amount of temperature, moisture, light and air required for the growth of plants is controlled, so that more productivity and quality can be achieved. Protected cultivation is mainly adopted for the cultivation of high-value vegetables, fruits, flowers and medicinal plants.
Some of the main components of protected cultivation are as follows:
1. Greenhouse/Polyhouse: It is a structure covered with polyethylene, plastic or glass and in which temperature and humidity can be controlled. In this, plants can be protected from extreme heat, cold, rain and pests.
2. Shade net house: In this, the amount of sunlight is controlled and plants are protected from excessive heat. This structure is used for cultivating sensitive crops in summer.
3. Drip irrigation and fertigation: Drip irrigation system is used to meet the water and nutrient requirement in protected cultivation, in which water and fertilizer reach the roots of the plants slowly. This saves water and the plants get nutrients directly.
4. Mulching: Mulch (plastic or organic material) is spread on the soil of the plants to maintain moisture in the roots of the plants and prevent weeds.
Benefits of protected cultivation
• Higher productivity: Plants grown in a controlled environment have a higher growth rate, which increases productivity.
Less pesticide use: Due to protection from pests, the use of pesticides is reduced.
Water savings: Drip irrigation and fertigation use very little water, which conserves water.
Quality produce: Farming in a controlled environment improves the quality and appearance of the produce.
• Year-round cultivation: In this system, crops can be grown throughout the year without the limitations of weather.
Protected cultivation is gradually gaining ground in India and the government is also running schemes like subsidy and training to encourage it, so that farmers can increase their income by adopting new techniques and promote sustainable agriculture.
Gurinder’s contribution to protected cultivation
Gurinder’s main objective is to use innovation and organic methods in farming. He has improved the soil by using crop residues in his fields. He said, “I am trying to solve the problem of stubble burning in Punjab at my level. We have started using the technique of mixing crop residues in the soil instead of burning them, which also maintains the fertility of the land and does not harm the environment.”
He used waste decomposer manufactured by IARI Pusa to mix crop residues in the soil. Along with this, Gurinder also uses biological elements like Vam and Azotobacter, which improves the quality of the soil and increases the production capacity of the crops.
Use of modern seeds and techniques
Gurinder Singh has used modern seeds and latest techniques in his fields. According to him, “The use of new seeds and techniques has not only increased the production, but also improved the quality of the crop.” The crops grown in his fields are now more nutritious and of good quality. The impact of this technological improvement is such that the directors of IARI Pusa Delhi and IIWBR Karnal also visited his farms.
Use of organic manure and gas plant
Gurinder also produces organic manure in his farms. He has installed a gas plant, from where he produces organic manure and energy using crop residues. This process is not only beneficial for the farms, but also protects the environment. This enables him to increase the amount of carbon in the soil of his farms, which is an important element of organic farming.
Recognition at state and national level
Gurinder’s work has been appreciated at various forums. He was awarded the Pusa Innovative Farmer Award in 2024, which reflects the quality of his work and his dedication towards innovation. Apart from this, he has been honored four times by IIWBR Karnal, and has also been appreciated by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana for his efforts to avoid stubble burning.
Inspiration for other farmers
Gurinder believes that mixing crop residues with the soil instead of burning stubble reduces pollution and increases soil fertility. He said, “Our aim is not just to do farming for our own profit but to give a better future to the entire society. If we succeed in reducing pollution, it will pave the way for a better life for the coming generations.”
Gurinder now wants to give this message to other farmers that they should use organic methods instead of chemical fertilizers in their fields and take advantage of modern techniques in farming. He himself also runs awareness campaigns for farmers in his village and surrounding areas so that all farmers can move towards organic and protected farming.
The future of protected farming
Gurinder dreams that in the coming years, the farmers of India should take more and more steps towards modern techniques and organic farming. He believes that if all the farmers adopt these methods, not only will agricultural production increase, but the environment of the country will also be protected. His effort is an important step towards innovation and sustainability in Indian agriculture, which is a perfect example for other farmers.
Contact details: If farmers want to share information or experiences related to farming with us, then they can do this by calling us on the phone number 9599273766 or by writing an email to [email protected] or by sending your recording. Through Kisan of India, we will convey your message to the people, because we believe that if the farmers are advanced then the country is happy.