Aman Sood
Tribune News Service
Patiala, September 22
Despite over 10,000 officials being posted on the ground, farm fires have started in the Majha belt. As many as 24 cases have been reported in the past few days and more are expected after the rains are over.
A majority of cases have been reported in the Majha belt in the past week, as the first phase of harvesting of paddy, primarily basmati varieties, started in the state.
Last Thursday, it started from two farm fires in Amritsar and ever since, the number is growing. “The next fortnight is crucial and will determine if awareness drives and warnings have affected farmers,” said officials.
Poll impact on government mind
- Experts warn the worse is yet to come because the state leadership is busy due to the political upheaval and farmers feel no stern action will be taken in the wake of the upcoming poll
- “Officers are monitoring the situation and spreading awareness in villages against farm fires, but farmers are reluctant to ensure scientific management of paddy straw,” they say
Experts warn the worse is yet to come because the state leadership is busy due to the political upheaval and farmers feel no stern action will be taken in the wake of the upcoming poll. “District-level officers are monitoring the situation and creating awareness against farm fires, but the farmers are reluctant to ensure scientific management of paddy straw,” said experts.
The Majha belt is considered good for growing basmati and already such varieties have started reaching the grain markets of Amritsar and Tarn Taran. “This year, it was sown early and it needs less days as compared to other varieties,” say officers.
Experts say the cases may rise this year as farmers are angry over the farm laws and the government not paying the Supreme Court-ordered financial incentive. “Despite best efforts, Punjab can manage only 50 per cent of the produced stubble, leaving no option but to burn it. Any action against farmers is challenged by unions,” said a top official attached with the anti-stubble burning drive. As per a PPCB report, 24 farm fires have been reported — Amritsar (19), Patiala (3), Tarn Taran and Faridkot (1 each). Karunesh Garg, PPCB member secretary, said: “Only nine of these are confirmed cases of farm fire and spot visits are pending in the rest.”
Stubble-burning in Majha, likely to rise after wet spell
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