Concerned by rising air pollution level by burning of straw and agriculture waste during harvesting seasons, the Punjab Agriculture Department on Friday decided to motivate farmers to adopt mechanical mowing machines to mow straw in earth rather than burning it.
“Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal was concerned about teh rising air pollution level due to burning of straw and approved subsidy on mowing machines to motivate farmers to adopt new eco-friendly technology,” said the State Agriculture Minister Tota Singh. The decision, thus taken, was aimed at reducing environmental pollution done by burning the straw residue and to maintain productivity of the soil.
“Such low cost new technique machines are developed in the State so that we need not purchase such machines on high price from other countries,” he said, adding that the Punjab Government would provide these machines to the cooperative societies which would be utilised by the farmers. Agriculture Minister appealed to the progressive farmers to use this new technology and encourage other farmers to use this technology.
Besides, to popularise the same, the State Agriculture department would also organise camps and exhibitions to educate farmers about the benefits of the new technology to deal with straw residue. During the meeting, it was informed that a grant of Rs82.5 crore has been received under the National Horticulture Mission programme.
Tota Singh announced that Punjab Government has decided to provide subsidy on solar pumps from 2 to 7.5 horse power to the fruit and vegetable farmers, asking them to avail the facility to solve the issue of electricity supply during wheat cultivation season.