For the past six years, the farmers of this village have completely stopped stubble burning and have implemented scientific straw management techniques; as a result, the soil quality has improved, helping the farmers to reduce the use of chemical fertilisers by approximately 30 per cent.

He said a potato farmer also stated that they now do not use potash for the crop, as stubble has potash.

"The size and quality of potatoes are better. This village is a school," he noted, who met farmers and praised them for their initiatives,’’ said Chouhan.

He said, "I am giving a message from here that what farmers of Ransih Kalan have done, farmers of the entire country should adopt.’’

He explained many advantages of not burning crop residue, saying mixing stubble in fields and direct seeding lead to saving water, diesel, lesser use of fertilisers and an increase in soil fertility.

He also savoured 'makki di roti' and 'sarson da saag'-- a famous Punjabi dish -- while sitting on a 'manja' [charpoy]. "I have just come here. People's love is amazing," said Chouhan while speaking with the media.

He also said he had 'makke di roti' and 'sarson da saag'. Among the major initiatives of the village included providing cash incentives to farmers for not burning crop residue, cash incentives for growing fruit plants, cash rewards for promoting reading books in a village library, a plastic-free campaign, rain harvesting and an anti-drug campaign.