PAU-KVK back Surface Seeder for stubble-free wheat sowing
Ferozepur, November 3, 2026: Surface Seeder technology provides an easy and low-cost solution for managing paddy stubble while sowing wheat without burning the residue or ploughing the field, said Dr Gurmail Singh, Deputy Director (Training), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ferozepur.
The PAU-KVK Ferozepur team has been promoting the technology among farmers as an effective method of wheat sowing under paddy residue. Dr Singh said the Surface Seeder simultaneously places seed and fertiliser in the soil while cutting 4-5 inch standing paddy stubble and spreading it uniformly as mulch.
The residue mulch helps cover the seed, conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, maintain a favourable soil temperature and improve soil fertility. The machine can be operated with a 45-horsepower tractor and can sow around 1.5 acres in an hour at a cost of about Rs 700-800 per acre.
Dr Singh advised farmers to operate the machine in dry fields and apply light irrigation immediately after sowing. About 45 kg of seed and 65 kg of fertiliser per acre are recommended. However, for heavier soils, farmers should adopt other suitable residue-management machines.
The PAU-KVK team on November 3 visited the field of progressive farmer Pritpal Singh at village Katora, where a seven-acre demonstration plot was established for wheat sowing and paddy residue management using the Surface Seeder.
Dr Singh appreciated the farmer's initiative and urged other small farmers, particularly those owning low-horsepower tractors, to adopt the technology instead of burning paddy stubble.
The team also briefed farmers about other residue-management options, including the Super Seeder, Smart Seeder, Mulcher and Plough.