Bijnor: Farmers in the district will take up intercropping of urad and moong along with sugarcane over a total area of 14,463 hectares, an initiative aimed at increasing farm income and improving returns from sugarcane cultivation, reports Live Hindustan.
The programme is being implemented under government directions, with free seeds of urad and moong being provided to farmers. Officials said this is the first time such a large area has been targeted for pulse cultivation alongside sugarcane. The Sugarcane Department and the Agriculture Department are jointly coordinating the effort to ensure smooth execution.
Farmers will sow urad and moong along with sugarcane during the planting season starting in February. Booking for free seeds has already begun, and officials noted strong participation from farmers. The Agriculture Department has arranged adequate seed stock, including about 2,142 quintals of moong and nearly 756 quintals of urad.
The intercropping activity will continue from February until the end of March. To receive free seeds, farmers are required to register on the Agriculture Department’s Darshan 2 portal. Officials said registrations are progressing rapidly. For every hectare, farmers will be given up to 20 kg each of urad and moong seed at no cost.
Meanwhile, district officials have started meetings with sugar mills to meet the intercropping targets. District Agriculture Officer Jasveer Singh Tewatia said discussions have already been held with Barkatpur Sugar Mill and Bundki Sugar Mill to coordinate the programme.
District Cane Officer P.N. Singh said intercropping of urad and moong with sugarcane will be carried out across 14,463 hectares, with free seeds being supplied by the Agriculture Department. He added that sugar mills have been instructed to support farmers in achieving the set targets.
Tewatia said the Sugarcane and Agriculture departments will work together to promote the practice across the district. Free seeds will be distributed through point-of-sale machines after farmers complete registration on the Darshan 2 portal. He added that awareness efforts will be stepped up to encourage farmers to adopt intercropping.
