Poor lifting, lack of use as biofuel key issues in tackling stubble

Delayed lifting of paddy residue, lack of funds for the repair of the required machinery and low utilisation of stubble as biofuel in industrial units are among key challenges before farmers in the state, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has observed.

The concerns were expressed during a four-hour-long review meeting chaired by CAQM Chairman Rajesh Verma on Friday.

It was attended by deputy commissioners, police officers and other senior officials from all districts of Punjab.

Verma, accompanied by CAQM Member Secretary Tarun Kumar Pithode, had on Thursday visited the Rajpura thermal plant to review the blending of biomass pellets with coal and assess ongoing stubble management initiatives in Patiala district.

He also visited a bio-energy plant near Khandeabad village in Sangrur and Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant at Lehra Mohabbat.

During the review, it was highlighted that farmers are facing delay in the lifting of paddy straw bales and rakes from their fields.

They asked authorities to ensure timely clearance to facilitate wheat sowing.

Another major concern raised was the shortage of spare parts for stubble management machines. Many machines reportedly remain unused either due to lack of funds for repairs or non-availability of critical components.

Gurnam Singh, head of the Paddy Stubble Management Cell, CAQM Chandigarh, said all concerns were conveyed to the departments concerned with directions to take immediate remedial measures.

The commission also observed that thermal power plants are currently blending only about 2 per cent of biomass pellets with coal, far below the 5 per cent target recommended by CAQM. The plants have been directed to increase blending levels at the earliest.

Meanwhile, 100 cases of farm fires were reported across Punjab on Friday, taking the season’s total to 3,384. The highest number of incidents were reported from Muktsar (16), followed by Ludhiana (12), and nine each from Sangrur and Ferozepur.