Farmers threaten to burn unlifted stubble in Faridkot

Farmers have issued a warning to the state government that they will be forced to set paddy stubble on fire in the fields if immediate steps are not taken to lift residue bales. The delay, they say, is obstructing the timely sowing of wheat and putting their entire rabi crop at risk.

In a symbolic show of anger, a group of farmers on Sunday set afire a small heap of stubble in the Kotkapura area, daring the authorities to take legal action. “Register cases, put us in jail—we are not afraid. The government can do what it wants, but we will set our fields on fire if stubble bales are not lifted,” said a farmer, echoing the growing resentment among cultivators across the district.

According to the farmers, contractors engaged for paddy residue baling prepared the bales weeks ago, but have since failed to lift these despite repeated assurances. “We have paid the contractors, yet the bales are lying in our fields. The delay is ruining our sowing schedule,” said another farmer. They demanded that the government should immediately deploy more balers and issue strict directions to ensure prompt lifting of all such bales.

With the wheat sowing window narrowing down, farmers say they are left with no option but to act. As per Punjab Agricultural University guidelines, the first week of November marks the crucial deadline for wheat sowing, and any delay beyond that can result in a yield loss of nearly 10 kg per acre per day. “We cannot afford such losses. Our fields must be cleared now,” the farmers asserted.

Adding to their woes, the farmers also alleged large-scale exploitation by rice millers, accusing them of deducting nearly 4 kg per quintal on various pretexts. Terming it an “open loot” under the nose of the mandi board, they have demanded government intervention in the case.