Chandigarh: Haryana government on Monday claimed that a remarkable reduction in stubble burning incidents had been seen in the state during the ongoing paddy harvest season this year so far, compared to the previous year.
According to official information, 714 cases of stubble burning had been reported this harvest season so far, whereas during the same period in 2022, there were 893 cases of stubble burning. In 2021, the number was significantly higher at 1508. In contrast, the neighboring state of Punjab has reported 1,794 incidents of stubble burning this year, an official statement held.
The state government held it had taken the issue of stubble burning seriously and in collaboration with farmers, had made substantial progress in reducing such incidents. The government was actively conducting awareness campaigns to discourage stubble burning and is also incentivising farmers with an amount of Rs 1000 per acre for practicing proper stubble management and refraining from burning crop residue. In addition, the agriculture and farmers welfare department was providing various machines and equipment to farmers to facilitate effective stubble management.
The consistent decline in stubble burning incidents in the state underscored the success of the Haryana government's efforts in promoting responsible crop residue management among farmers. The government had also implemented stringent measures to deter farmers from engaging in this practice which included the use of drones for monitoring and preventing stubble burning, as well as the registration of FIRs against those who burnt stubble.
