Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The district administration is running Kisan Khet Schools in every village to make the farmers aware about the adverse effect of burning residues and using pesticides to save summer Moong crops from insects. It has been observed that some farmers, after harvesting wheat, burn the stubbles to destroy them, but it pollutes the environment and damages the fertility of land.
The fire sometimes spreads from one farmland to another field ruining standing crops worth lakhs of rupees besides turning several houses and other valuables into ashes. According to deputy director of agriculture J R Hedau, burning residues destroys the useful pests like earthworms and stops producing organic manure.
For this reason, the farmers have been using chemical fertilisers for several years, Hedau said, adding that if the earth loses carbonic elements, it becomes dry, and its capacity to hold water weakens. He advised the farmers to opt for a straw management system and combine harvesters.
Instead of burning the stubbles, they should make proper use of it, he said. Using super seeder machine and Pusa D-Composer has brought in good results, Hedau said. Another trend has come out in Narmadapuram district where the peasants are using sub-standard and non-recommended herbicides, like glyphosate and paraquat to dry summer Moong crops before harvesting it.
Improper use of these herbicides is linked to the accumulation of toxic chemicals at the residues in Moong and bean crops, he said. Use of such chemicals may lead to various health-related issues, including cancer, he said. Chemicals used in these herbicides remain accumulated in the land for several years, which pollute the groundwater, Hedau said.
The administration has banned several herbicides and decided to make the farmers aware about it, he said. Sub-divisional officers (revenue) of the areas concerned, senior agricultural development officers, farm extension officers, Patwaris and other officers will be present to ensure that the campaign has an impact on the farmers.
