Yamunanagar DC shows way to manage crop residue

Sending out a strong message on environmental protection and soil fertility, Deputy Commissioner Parth Gupta took the wheel of a tractor in the fields of Mukarabpur village on Tuesday to demonstrate crop residue management. By operating round balers attached to the tractor in the field of farmer Jagjit Singh, the DC showcased how paddy residue can be managed without resorting to stubble burning.

During his visit to Mukarabpur and Amli villages, Gupta interacted with farmers to highlight the dangers of burning crop residue. He also met local entrepreneur Ramandeep Walia of Amli, who is actively engaged in manufacturing and using agricultural equipment for residue management. Walia informed the DC that his target for this year was to process about 35,000 tonnes of paddy residue using square and round balers and supply it to companies concerned. The DC also inspected his storage facility for balers.

“The Haryana government is providing subsidised agricultural equipment to help farmers mix paddy residue into the soil and manage it effectively,” Gupta said, while appealing to farmers to refrain from burning stubble. He added that the state has taken special steps to curb the practice, including the formation of a stubble protection force and dedicated departmental teams to monitor and prevent burning. “Legal action will be taken against farmers found burning stubble or paddy residue,” he warned.

Deputy Director of Agriculture Aditya Pratap Dabas noted that most paddy residue is mixed into the soil itself, while the remaining residue is collected through square and round balers and sent to relevant companies. He emphasised that the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department is providing subsidised machinery to support farmers in adopting sustainable residue management practices.