Now, red entry in land register for stubble burning; ban on loan may follow

District officials in Barnala have directed patwaris to make a red entry in the girdawari register against any farmer involved in the act.

The state government may soon ban issuance of loans to farmers found involved in stubble burning. District officials in Barnala have directed patwaris to make a red entry in the girdawari register against any farmer involved in the act.

In the past, the state department of science, technology and environment had issued a notification to ban burning of crop residue.(HT Representative Image)

Deputy commissioner (DC) Ghanshyam Thori said, “The state government is contemplating to ban loans for farmers who burn paddy straw in their fields. Such farmers may also be deprived of using agricultural implements on rent.”

He claimed, “Thousands of farmers from the district have submitted undertakings against stubble burning.”

In the past, the state department of science, technology and environment had issued a notification to ban burning of crop residue. The National Green Tribunal had also issued directions to control stubble burning.

The DC added that orders of the Punjab Pollution Control Board imposes a fine up to ₹2,500 on farmers owning 2.5 acres, ₹5,000 on those having 2.5 acres to five acres, ₹7,500 on those owning between five acres and 10 acres, and ₹15,000 on those having more than 10 acres, incase they are found burning stubble.

Govt has failed to give permanent solution: Sadhu Singh

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP from Faridkot, Sadhu Singh, on Friday, said the central and state governments have failed to provide farmers a permanent solution to manage paddy stubble, even though stubble burning has become a serious issue.

He claimed that Punjab government’s suggestion to decompose stubble to enrich soil fertility is an “eyewash according to scientists”.

The parliamentarian added that farmers are blamed for burning stubbles but no one is ready to offer them lasting solutions.

He said, “Farmers’ protest can’t be ignored for long by giving false assurances,” adding that the Centre has been “betraying” farmers by refusing to implement recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission. “Farmers are being denied even the minimum support price. This is unfair,” he said.