PAU turns to social networking sites to discourage stubble burning

Punjab Agricultural University’s (PAU) Centre of Communication and International Linkages (CCIL), which last year came out with a eight-minute video drama on harms of stubble burning, has restored to various social networking platforms to promote the video. Keeping in view of the ongoing stubble burning in the state following paddy harvest, experts want to popularise it among farmers of the state. Experts are also of the view that rather than lengthy articles, farmers get easily convinced through videos or live theatre.

Punjab Agricultural University’s (PAU) Centre of Communication and International Linkages (CCIL), which last year came out with a eight-minute video drama on harms of stubble burning, has restored to various social networking platforms to promote the video. Keeping in view of the ongoing stubble burning in the state following paddy harvest, experts want to popularise it among farmers of the state. Experts are also of the view that rather than lengthy articles, farmers get easily convinced through videos or live theatre.

Stubble burning harms not only the environment, but also the soil health (HT Photo)

This drama is the brainchild of Anil Sharma, assistant director of TV and radio at varsity’s CCIL. The Punjabi drama with a song and light background music titled as ‘Vatavaran bachao, parali na jalalo’ (Save environment, do not burn stubble) is already a hit among internet savvy farmers and agricultural students. “Stubble burning is a serious concern. It harms not only the environment, but also the soil health. We have to agree that not all farmers are aware about the harms. So, this inspired me to give birth to an audio-drama,” Sharma said.