No stubble burnt in 2.45L acres, Ambala farmers seek incentives

The agriculture department has intensified verification in connection with the claims raised by farmers for not burning paddy residue during this season. As per information, over 42,000 registrations have been received from Ambala farmers seeking incentives for residue management on over 2.45 lakh acres registered on the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal in the district.

As many as 42,386 farmers have registered for Rs 1,200 per acre incentive for stubble management. Over 99% paddy crop has been harvested so far and some areas under the basmati crop is yet to be harvested.

Of the total registration, 26,866 farmers have sought incentive for in-situ management on over 1.64 lakh acres, and 10,195 farmers for ex-situ management in over 55,600 acres. Similarly, 5,325 farmers have sought incentive for using the residue in fodder in nearly 25,500 acres. Of the total registered area of over 2.45 lakh acres, the department has so far verified over 67,730 acres.

The Ambala Deputy Director (Agriculture), Dr Jasvinder Saini, said, “The registration for stubble management has been received on over 2.45 lakh acres and verification is underway. Since the harvesting is almost over, the department will focus on completing the verification at the earliest, and we are hopeful that it will be completed before December. Nearly 90% of the total residue has been managed so far. The farmers have sought incentive for in-situ, and for preparing bales and fodder."

“The farmers were advised not to burn the straw and to take advantage of government schemes. The decision taken by the government to register FIRs, and make red entries on the portal have also helped in motivating farmers,” he added.

Though six cases of active fire locations (AFLs) were reported in Ambala till November 17, no incident of paddy residue was found on the ground during verification. Of the six AFLs, one was in the Punjab area. As many as 87 cases were reported in the same period last year, and a total of 99 cases of farm fires were reported.