Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar Pledges Zero Tolerance For Paddy Stubble Burning, States Present Action Plans
New Delhi, 4th August 2023: Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar announced that the Centre is dedicated to achieving zero incidents of paddy stubble burning in the current season. To make this vision a reality, an inter-ministerial meeting was held where the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi presented their action plans and strategies to prevent stubble burning.
Stubble burning is a practice of setting straw stubble on fire after paddy harvesting, which is common in October and November, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Minister Tomar emphasized the need to work towards eradicating this harmful practice during the current season.
To support the states in this mission, the Centre is providing sufficient funds under the Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme. The states must ensure the timely provision of machines to farmers and ensure their proper utilization. Additionally, the use of bio-decomposers should be closely monitored at the state level.
Minister Tomar also encouraged focusing on using paddy straw for commercial purposes through ex-situ management. Raising awareness to prevent stubble burning using various mechanisms, including agencies like Agriculture Technology Management Agencies (ATMA), should be prioritized.
During the meeting, Minister Tomar acknowledged that the incidents of paddy stubble burning have been decreasing, but he stressed that the issue is not limited to air pollution in Delhi and neighbouring areas. It also negatively impacts soil health and fertility, affecting the interests of farmers. Hence, the efforts should address both fighting air pollution and protecting soil health.
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted the positive results of the efforts to prevent paddy stubble burning over the last five years. Encouraging ex-situ management of paddy straw can provide valuable raw materials to industries like power and biomass.
The meeting was attended by agriculture ministers from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, as well as environment ministers and senior officials from the central government.
