Happy Seeder

News:Punjab Chief Minister has said that farmers should use Happy Seeders for direct wheat sowing as it will lead to increased productivity.

Facts:

About Happy seeder(HS):

• Happy Seeder(HS) is a tractor-operated machine developed by the Punjab Agricultural University(PAU) in collaboration with Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research(ACIAR).
• Happy seeder is used for in-situ management of paddy stubble (straw).
• The seeder has the capability to cut and lift the previous crop and sow a new crop in its place.It also deposits the straw over the sown area as mulch.

Advantages of Happy seeder:

• The average wheat yield a farmer gets using traditional sowing method (after burning stubble) is 19-22 quintal/acre (q/acre).
• It has been found that using Happy Seeder also farmers can get a yield of around 19-22 q/acre.

Concerns with Happy seeder:

• Farmers had to burn the stubble because Happy Seeder doesn’t work on thick bunches of straw left behind.
• The wheat yield does not increase or decrease using Happy Seeder.But it remains at par with normal average yield.
• Initially,farmers are facing problems because after sowing with HS,fields require proper management.

Additional information:

Mulch:

• A mulch is a layer of material applied to the surface of the soil. 
• The reasons for applying mulch include conservation of soil moisture, improving fertility and health of the soil, reducing weed growth and enhancing the visual appeal of the area.