To effectively check the menace of paddy straw burning, Punjab Government on Wednesday warned the officers of the state Agriculture Department to ensure timely supply of subsidized farm equipments to the farmers or face disciplinary action for delinquency in performing services.
The warning was issued, on the directives of the Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, by the State Agriculture Secretary Kahan Singh Pannu while presiding over a meeting to deliberate upon the effective steps being taken to tackle the problem of straw burning.
Pannu reviewed the progress of farm implements delivered to the farmers till date. “These agri-implements must be delivered to the farmers before the harvesting season of paddy begins,” he stressed.
He pointed out that that the implements manufacturing agencies had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Central Government to provide these to the farmers on time. He added that if these agencies fail to honour their commitment, these firms could be blacklisted.
Pannu also asked the officers to keep a strict vigil that no one indulges in malpractice to earn money by assuring prompt delivery of implements to farmers in wrong way.
He further said that the school students were being made part of the anti-stubble burning campaign for which anti-paddy straw burning awareness poster competition and rallies would be organized in schools across the state in last week of September. The second phase of this campaign would be initiated from October 10, he said.
Pannu said that as with the active support and cooperation of the people, the adulteration of food items or products is being checked under ‘Tandarust Punjab’ Mission, in the same manner, the menace of paddy straw burning would also be contained with the active support of farmers.
He also warned the officers that if any pesticide dealer was found selling unauthorized pesticides or insecticides to the farmers, stern action would be taken against the erring dealer and the officer of the concerned area.