‘Labour shortage can be a blessing in disguise for Punjab farmers’

The Shiromani Akali Dal MLA from Dakha constituency, Manpreet Ayali, who is also a prosperous farmer as well, is of the opinion that labour shortage during coronavirus times can prove a blessing in disguise. He claims that this time many of farmers tried sowing of paddy crops in their fields on their own without depending upon the migrant labourers. He claimed that even they tried sowing of paddy crop in three ways and will recommend the same to the farmers if he gets suitable results. He said direct sowing and bed sowing are two economical methods and if farmers adopt the technique, depleting water table can be saved. TOI correspondent Nidhi Bhardwaj talked to him over this issue. Here a few excerpts from a conversation with him.
Q: Due to coronavirus many of the labourers moved from here to their native places and farmers felt difficulties in handling sowing of paddy crop, did you feel the same?
A: No not at all. I think this was a golden opportunity for the farmers to shed their dependence upon the migrant labourers, which was expensive as well as hectic. If I talk about our farming, we sowed paddy crop using three technologies, one was the traditional method, where water remains in fields and we do not let it seep in the ground. Then we did direct sowing and bed sowing. We did everything with the help of machines. Earlier, we also used to hire labourers in fields but this time only 14 to 15 Punjabi guys helped us in the process. Till last year, we had 50 to 60 migrant labourers, but this time we don’t have even one migrant labourer, and the credit goes to the direct sowing paddy technique.
Q: What are the benefits of direct sowing or bed sowing of paddy crop?
A: There are many benefits of these two methods. The biggest thing is in these ways we do not require much water. We can save 40-50% of the groundwater after adopting the technology. Then there is lesser dependence upon labourers because machines do everything. If farmers have to save water for coming generations then they must go in for these ways. Moreover, these methods cost Rs 200 per acre while for labourers and using traditional method we were supposed to spend at least Rs 5,000 per acre. Above all, it can help in changing weather conditions of the state as this time paddy sowing started in May and it was hot so from next year if this practice continues and direct or bed sowing will be adopted then humid weather will not trouble people and Punjabis can enjoy a pleasant weather in June as well.
Q: The small farmers are unable to purchase machines for their fields. What about them?
A: This is right that we have resources and we can experiment as well, but I feel small farmers have more scope to set examples and they can do more hard work in their fields. We will tell farmers about the results of all three types and it is up to them to implement or not. From next year we will also go ahead for drip irrigation method and then only 10% water will be consumed than the traditional method.
Q: Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has been asking farmers to shift to direct sowing for the past so many years. Do you think they will listen to you?
A: Farmers believe in experiments. The PAU is trying hard to bring changes, but not all farmers have access to the university. In one day so many people from various villages come to meet me at my house and some field area is outside my house as well and they all ask about the technology. In the direct sowing as well as bed sowing there is lot of saving of water and I think if the government will impose a ban on making mud (kadoo karna) for paddy sowing then farmers will have to adopt the other techniques.
Q: Do you think direct sowing will increase unemployment?
A: For paddy transplant migrant laborers used to come here and if we switch over to other means, then they will not come here. Rather Punjabi youth has started working, so in a way it is good for local people that they will generate income.
Q: What kind of changes have surfaced in rural areas after coronavirus?
A: In Dakha constituency, rural areas were safe than urban areas because here people have enough space to remain in isolation. This coronavirus can bring positive changes for the youth of Punjab. The youngsters were going abroad after selling their prime lands here. Nobody was interested in working in fields but after coronavirus, there are changes in the thinking process as many youngsters have started helping their families in sowing in the fields. There is a need to develop interest among youth towards farming again. We have started taking our kids to fields and I have also purchased one mini tractor for them so that they could learn things.
Q: Was there any change in condition of drug addicts during coronavirus?
A: Initially, we heard about people saying that drugs were not available but gradually people arranged it from somehow. The ruling party could not cut supply chain completely. The illegal sale of liquor was being done under the shelter of ruling party leaders. People did not make lines outside liquor vends after lockdown because they had stock in their homes.