Haryana: Stop stubble burning in Karnal, farmers adopt new technology

Karnal, October 16 (IANS). Farmers in Karnal district of Haryana are now abandoning the old practice of stubble burning and adopting new techniques of crop residue management. This change has not only brought relief to the environment, but is also helpful in increasing the fertility of the lands. Rajkumar Maratha, a farmer from Jhanjhadi village Karnal, has set a good example of stubble management in his 10-acre paddy field. He told IANS, “This time after the harvest of rice, there was no fire or smoke in the surrounding fields. Earlier farmers used to burn stubble out of compulsion, but now with awareness they are taking steps to save future generations and the environment.” Maratha told that he harvested the paddy with a spreader equipped with spreader management system (SMS). With this technique, the stubble is finely chopped and mixed in the field itself. After this, the stubble is mixed with the soil with the help of a cultivation machine, whereby the land is immediately ready for the next harvest. He said: “This technology is very effective. It saves time, effort and environment.” This technique involves an additional cost of Rs 400 per acre, but its benefits are manifold. The stubble turns into compost, which increases soil fertility and increases crop yield. Dr. Wazir Singh, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Karnal, said, “So far 60 per cent rice has been harvested in the district, out of which 40 per cent stubble has been managed. The district administration has formed more than 400 teams which are making farmers aware. In-situ (mixing in the field) and field management are being managed outside the field (stump management). Also promoting stubble management equipment. 50 per cent subsidy is given. Farmers who not burning stubble also gets an allowance of Rs 1,200 per acre.” He said: “Farmers can earn a profit by tying the straw into bales or mixing it with the soil. This increases the nutrients of the soil.” Farmer Sunil Kumar also advocated the adoption of stubble management. He said, “In the past, stubble burning was used to poison the air and create smog. Now with the new technology, not only the environment is safe, but the soil of the fields is also strengthened.” He appealed to other farmers to adopt management techniques instead of stubble burning. –IANS sch/abm