Capacity building for no-burn practices in Punjab took a creative turn during the Ludhiana Kisan Mela, held from September 12-14 at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). A key highlight of the event was a Nukkad Natak capacity-building workshop organized by Vertiver, a behavior change organization, as part of the PRANA (Promoting Regenerative and No Burn Agriculture) project.
This immersive workshop brought together theater directors, folk singers, folk theatre, and behavior change experts to train artists in delivering impactful street performances, or “nukkad nataks,” aimed at encouraging farmers to adopt regenerative agricultural practices, particularly no-burn techniques for managing crop residue.
Shahbaz Bajwa, a theater and film director from Chandigarh who was part of the training team, praised the dedication of the artists, stating, “Seeing the nukkad natak artists deliver their dialogues in such creative and powerful ways shows that each of them feels the pain about the degrading quality of water, soil, and air in Punjab. More than acting, they are channeling their emotions into powerful performances. This will certainly resonate with farmers in the state.”
Second Round of Training to Curb Stubble Burning
This was the second time Vertiver has trained Nukkad Natak artists in Punjab under the PRANA project, led by Nature Conservancy India Solutions Pvt. Ltd (NCIS). These performances are central to the project’s goal of curbing stubble burning and promoting sustainable farming across 18 districts in Punjab. Chhaya Bhanti, Founder and CEO of Vertiver, explained the significance of this form of engagement:
“We think of Nukkad Natak artists as the ultimate trim tabs. They trigger change from deep within the system by delivering messages that truly resonate with the cultural and social values of rural audiences. These artists are carrying forward our oral traditions of knowledge sharing and learning through powerful storytelling, nudging farmers to adopt no-burn practices.”
Focus on Crop Residue Management at the Mela
In addition to the workshop, the Ludhiana Kisan Mela itself placed a spotlight on Crop Residue Management (CRM), another key component of the PRANA project. An informative stall by PRANA engaged over 3,000 farmers through interactive displays, educational materials, and gamification tools like the “Aim and Throw” and “Dart Board” games. The stall emphasized the importance of in-situ CRM practices, which improve soil health by retaining vital nutrients such as organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
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Shifting Agricultural Practices for Soil Health and Cleaner Air
Stubble burning remains a significant problem in Punjab, contributing to severe air pollution and impacting climate conditions. The practice involves burning crop residue, which releases large amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the atmosphere. This pollution not only affects air quality within Punjab but also drifts to neighboring states, including Delhi, causing widespread environmental and health issues. Addressing this problem through effective CRM is crucial for mitigating its adverse effects on both regional and national levels.
Sudipto Chatterjee, Director (Programs) at NCIS, stressed the need for a shift in agricultural practices:
“A lot of nutrients are found in crop residue that can add to soil nourishment and health. Burning them brings no value and leads to pollution of the air and other resources. PRANA promotes in-situ CRM practices that contribute to improved soil health, healthier air, and nourish our natural resources.”
Women’s Role in Advancing Regenerative Agriculture
Another important aspect of the mela was the recognition of women’s roles in advancing CRM and regenerative agriculture. Gender-inclusive exhibits at the PRANA stall encouraged both male and female farmers to engage with the materials, which highlighted women’s growing concerns about water and health issues. Chhaya Bhanti added, “Our behavioral research in various parts of Punjab has indicated that women are increasingly concerned about addressing water and health issues. By placing women’s roles at the center of our narratives, we are supporting the PRANA project in accelerating regenerative agriculture practices in Punjab.”
Farmers Respond Positively to Educational Initiatives
Farmers who visited the PRANA stall expressed appreciation for the engaging and informative content. Kulwinder Kaur, a farmer, reflected on the importance of soil health, saying, “Mitti (soil) is like gold. Protecting it by adopting no-burn practices helps reduce agricultural input costs and avoid pollution.” Malwinderpal Singh, a farmer from Matta village in Faridkot, also acknowledged the importance of CRM, appreciating the efforts made by the PRANA team to debunk myths about crop residue and promote sustainable practices like groundwater conservation through Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD).
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Sustainable Farming in Punjab
Through both the Nukkad Natak workshop and the interactive displays at the Ludhiana Kisan Mela, the PRANA project demonstrated a multi-faceted approach to addressing stubble burning and promoting regenerative agriculture. By combining creative storytelling with hands-on education, and highlighting the role of women in these efforts, the project continues to influence farmer behavior in Punjab, aiming for long-term sustainability in soil health, air quality, and crop management.
