Farmers get 6,338 implements for straw management

Pradeep Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 14

Even as war of words between Delhi and Haryana over poor quality of air in Delhi and surrounding areas due to stubble burning in Haryana goes on, the state Agriculture Department continues to do its bit to tackle the problem. As many as 6,338 straw management implements have been provided by the department to farmers to address the issue of stubble burning.

Data shows that 5,162 applications for straw management implements were verified in the first round, while the verification process of the 1,176 was under process. Besides, 109 applications have been received from the groups of farmers for the setting up of the Customs Hiring Centres for the better management of the crop residue.

Sources said besides providing subsidy on straw management implements, the Agriculture Department had also made implements such as zero till seed-cum-fertiliser drill, happy seeder and straw baler available to farmers on hiring basis at nominal rates.

Haryana has already utililised Rs 39 crore of the Rs 45 crore released for the crop residue management. Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who are slated to meet in Chandigarh tomorrow, had engaged in a verbal duel over the issue of smog in the national capital.