Seeing its efforts to douse the smoldering problem of stubble burning going up in flames, the Punjab Government on Monday issued new advisory asking the State farmers to refrain from burning the paddy residue.
The advisory has asked the owners of harvesting machines to install spreaders in the harvesting machines, besides asking them that every combine harvesters should be fitted with a rear straw management system (SMS).
“This practice would help avoid straw burning which emanated gases adversely affecting environment and soil fertility,” said the State Agriculture Minister Tota Singh. Even as the State Government has “officially” banned the burning of paddy stubble under the Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, the farmers are not taking the ban seriously.
“With the help of modified combine harvesters, farmers could manage straw in a more sustainable manner instead of burning it which caused air pollution and loss of nutrients,” the Minister said. He said that the farmers can abandon the practice of excessive application of urea by managing straw which can provide a part of nitrogen needed by crops.
When straw was left to decompose in the field, it enhanced soil quality in the long run, he added. “Farmers associated with Straw Management System (SMS) to go for in situ straw incorporation using cultivator, prepare straw bales using bailer machine. Wheat seeding for the current Rabi season must be carried out using new modern machines,” said Singh.