Chandigarh, The Haryana government on Wednesday said it is making extensive efforts to promote crop residue management and protect the environment across the state.
He appealed to farmers to refrain from burning stubble and instead make use of modern agricultural machinery and available government schemes for proper management of crop residue. 206 fire incidents have been reported across 23 districts of the state this season so far, of which crop residue burning has been confirmed in 89 cases, according to an official statement issued late Wednesday evening. In this direction, 13,200 agricultural machines of various types, including super seeders and balers, have been distributed to farmers this year. Subsidies of up to 50 per cent are being provided on the purchase of these machines, the statement said. The administration has inspected all 206 locations. Taking action against stubble-burning cases as per the prescribed rules, fines amounting to ₹ 3.55 lakh have been imposed through 62 challans, out of which ₹ 2.30 lakh has already been recovered. Show-cause notices have been issued to 109 nodal officers for alleged negligence in the discharge of their duties, ensuring that there is no laxity in the implementation of the stubble management campaign.
Along with providing farmers access to modern resources for stubble management, the government is also extending financial incentives to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices, the statement said quoting a government spokesperson. The spokesperson further said that the government has also fixed accountability of officials to strengthen the monitoring mechanism. Scientific management of crop residue not only helps maintain soil fertility but also makes a significant contribution towards environmental protection and ensuring clean air, the statement said.
