Red entries in Meri Fasal Mera Byora to bar farmers from selling produce for two seasons

In a major step to combat the environmental hazards of stubble burning, the Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department has taken strict action against 2,301 farmers across the state by marking ‘red entries’ in their Meri Fasal Mera Byora (MFMB) records for burning crop residue during the Rabi season 2024–25. This crackdown is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to enforce compliance and promote eco-friendly farming practices.

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What is the red entry in MFMB and what are its consequences?

A red entry in the MFMB portal is a penalty imposed on farmers who burn crop residues by violating crop residue management regulations. It serves as a digital record of misconduct and carries serious repercussions. Once a farmer receives a red entry, they are barred from selling their produce in government-regulated grain markets for two crop seasons. They also become ineligible for any financial or technical assistance from the department. This measure is intended to discourage crop residue burning and promote environmentally sustainable agricultural practices.

Which district has recorded the highest number of red entries?

So far, Jhajjar district has recorded the highest number of red entries during the rabi crop season 2024-25, with 1,004 cases, followed by Jind (259) and Sirsa (158). Other districts such as Fatehabad (150), Kaithal (141), Karnal (123), Kurukshetra (96), Yamunanagar (79), and Rohtak (64) have also reported a significant number of cases.

What measures has the Jhajjar administration taken to check crop residue burning?

The Jhajjar administration has ramped monitoring efforts through teams operating at the district, sub-divisional, block, and village levels, along with mobile squads. Deputy Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya is leading a district-level flying squad to oversee ground-level enforcement and ensure strict compliance with the ban. The district administration has also registered 11 FIRs against violators involved in stubble burning so far.

How is the administration raising awareness among farmers about alternatives to stubble burning?

To promote sustainable alternatives, the Jhajjar administration is conducting awareness and outreach programmes involving farmers, village headmen, and panchayat representatives. These initiatives aim to educate the farming community about scientific, eco-friendly methods of managing crop residue.

Why do farmers burn crop residue?

Crop residues are burnt primarily to quickly clear fields for the next planting season. Those farmers with limited financial resources often cannot afford the labour or machinery needed to manage the residue properly. Burning becomes the fastest and cheapest method, especially when the time window between crop cycles is short. However, this practice contributes to air pollution and damages soil health, despite the availability of environment-friendly alternatives. Some farmers believe that burning can help control certain diseases and pests that might be present in the crop residue.