Despite the warning of district administration, farmers continue to burn crop residue leading to rise in air pollution and asthmatic problem in people.
Despite the ban, farmers continue to burn the crop residue, which affects the fertility of soil. Though farmers are being given subsidy for purchase of machines, like happy-seeder, turbo-seeder and shredder, which manages the essential minerals of soil, they choose to burn the paddy residue as it is a cheaper option.
District collector Arshdeep Singh Thind said that all the departments have been asked to keep a check over such activities. He said the agriculture department is also talking to farmers and making them aware of the harmful effects of burning crop residue. Even the education department is also working to educate farmers, so that they stop this practice, he added.
In Dhuri, Moonak and Sunam tehsil of Sangrur district, farmers are burning paddy residues. According to sources, not even a single case has been registered against the practice till now.
Agriculture experts say burning of residue leads to manifold increase in air pollution. They advise farmers to cut residue with machine and use it as fodder or convert it into manure.
However, farmers say it takes many weeks if reapers are used to cut residue leaving it to decompose. They say they do not have much time as potato and pea are cultivated as third crop to supplement income in between paddy and wheat season.
{{/usCountry}}However, farmers say it takes many weeks if reapers are used to cut residue leaving it to decompose. They say they do not have much time as potato and pea are cultivated as third crop to supplement income in between paddy and wheat season.
{{/usCountry}}However, agriculture experts say that the government should take strict action to end the evil practice of residue burning.