After the combine, lots of straw is left. Should I get a baler instead of burning the residue?
Is a straw baler worth it after combine harvesting?
AAmritpal Singh6mo ago · 185 views
4 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓6mo ago
A straw baler collects loose paddy or wheat residue into compact bales you can sell or store as fodder and industrial feedstock, instead of burning it. Burning is penalised and damages soil; baling turns residue into income or fodder and clears the field for the next sowing. The baler is usually paired with a combine fitted with a straw management system that drops cut straw in a windrow. Balers are costly, so many farmers hire one or sell standing residue to a baling operator who takes the straw. Check local demand and prices for bales (fodder, paper, power plants) before investing, and look for residue management subsidies in your state.
JJaspreet Aulakh6mo ago
I let a baling contractor take my paddy straw. He bales it and I avoid the burning fine plus the field is clean for wheat. Even small payment is better than burning.
HHarman Dhaliwal6mo ago
There is good demand for bales from cattle owners and a power plant near us. I bought a baler with subsidy and now earn from straw that I used to burn.
GGurdev Brar5mo ago
Before buying, be honest about how many days a year you will run it, a baler is a heavy spend and the exact price depends on the type and brand so ask the dealer. For most small farmers selling the standing straw to an operator beats owning the machine.