What is the Pink Stem Borer and how does it affect wheat crops in Punjab?

The Pink Stem Borer (PSB) is a notorious pest that thrives in the rice-wheat cropping system of Punjab, attacking the rice panicles and causing significant yield loss. After the paddy harvest, the pest can potentially transfer to the new wheat crop, but experts say that sowing wheat in leftover stubble does not directly lead to PSB infestations.

How can Punjab's wheat farmers prevent PSB infestations in their crops?

Experts recommend several best practices to safeguard the wheat crop, including seed treatment, soil treatment, daytime irrigation to encourage bird predation, and post-irrigation insecticide application if needed. Proper management of sowing timing, temperature, and soil moisture levels is also crucial to controlling PSB.

What sustainable farming techniques are Punjab farmers using to sow wheat without burning paddy stubble?

Machines like the Happy Seeder, Super Seeder, and Smart Seeder allow farmers to sow wheat directly into the leftover paddy stubble, eliminating the need for stubble burning. This method reduces air pollution, soil erosion, and also conserves moisture for the wheat crop.

Home / Environment / Wheat Farmers Conquer Pest Fears: Experts Debunk Stubble Burning Myths

Wheat Farmers Conquer Pest Fears: Experts Debunk Stubble Burning Myths

30 Oct

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Summary

Paddy stubble burning no longer necessary to prevent Pink Stem Borer infestations in wheat
Proper timing, temperature, and moisture management key to controlling pest
Sustainable farming practices like Happy Seeder can sow wheat without burning stubble

Wheat Farmers Conquer Pest Fears: Experts Debunk Stubble Burning Myths

As the harvest season for paddy draws to a close and the wheat sowing season kicks off in Punjab, a new wave of concern is sweeping through the farming community. With the lingering issue of paddy stubble burning, farmers are being urged to embrace advanced machinery like the Happy Seeder, Super Seeder, or Smart Seeder to sow wheat without clearing or burning the leftover stubble. However, the prospect of sowing wheat in fields with remaining paddy stubble creates a fear of a Pink Stem Borer (PSB) infestation on the new crop.

Contrary to popular belief, agricultural experts assure that sowing wheat in leftover paddy stubble does not directly contribute to PSB infestations. The pest's thriving is more closely linked to the timing of wheat sowing, soil moisture levels, and pest management practices than the method used to sow the wheat. Proper timing, temperature, and moisture management are key to controlling PSB and ensuring a healthy wheat crop.

Farmers who have adopted sustainable practices like the Happy Seeder have reported fewer issues with PSB compared to those who burned their stubble. The difference lies in the moisture levels of the soil, with the Happy Seeder being most effective when soil moisture is around 65 percent. Experts recommend additional practices like seed treatment, soil treatment, and post-irrigation treatment to further safeguard the wheat crop from PSB infestations.

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