Candidates vow to shield farmers in farm fire cases

In the run-up to the October 15 elections for village sarpanches, candidates are openly pledging their support to farmers who resort to stubble burning and illegal power connections.

In villages like Kherhi Malla, sarpanch hopeful Sher Singh, a farmer himself, has vowed to protect farmers from any government action. “If officials come to the village, I will stand by the farmers,” Singh stated, emphasising the lack of economic feasibility for alternative residue management.

In Raungla, a relative of another sarpanch candidate assured farmers they need not fear any police or official intervention after the elections, promising no interference with illegal activities like stubble burning or using illegal power connections (known as “kundi”).

Farmers claim that managing the crop residue without burning is too costly, with estimates ranging between Rs 4,000 to Rs 4,500 per acre. However, government officials have warned that farmers who continue to burn stubble may face penalties, including having their revenue records marked in red. Despite the warnings, candidates continue to reassure farmers that no action will be taken against them if they support them in the elections.