Stubble burning continues, authorities look the other way

Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 18

Post-harvest burning of stubble, husk and crop waste, that is left on fields after threshing of paddy crop is being burnt in different parts of Jammu. However, the district administration and the Agriculture Department have shown no concern.

Unlike Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir doesn’t face the problem of large-scale stubble burning as the stubble is used as fodder for cattle. However, many farmers burn husk and paddy waste, which is the main reason for air pollution.

Authorities have failed to stop the farmers from burning the left-out material in the areas surrounding Jammu city. Much of the paddy is cultivated in RS Pura, Samba, Kathua and Akhnoor.

“We have no option but to burn the waste. It’s useless for us and there is no other way to dispose it of. Even if it is illegal, we have no choice,” said Satwant Singh, a farmer at RS Pura.

Thousands of acres of land on which Kharif crop (paddy) was grown is being burnt to clear the fields for Rabi crop (wheat), which is sown in the winter months across Jammu region.

“Usage of big harvester machines in the state has become a major reason for farmers resorting to burning large quantities of straw, a leftout of modern machines,” said Tejinder Singh, president, J&K Kissan Council.