Devanjana Mukherjee, Khabri Media
The state government would need to allocate funds and resources for the incentive program while ensuring transparency and accessibility for all farmers.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has recently advocated for a groundbreaking strategy to tackle the critical issue of stubble burning. His proposal involves offering cash incentives to farmers, aiming to dissuade them from the practice that has long plagued the region and led to environmental degradation.
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CM on Friday threw his weight behind providing cash incentives to farmers to dissuade them from burning paddy stubble. At the same time said the state government has been taking several steps to check the burning of crop residue and meetings have been held to mull options for preventing the practice during the next harvesting season.
Stubble burning, an agricultural technique used to clear fields, particularly after the rice harvest, releases harmful pollutants and contributes significantly to air pollution. Mann’s innovative approach seeks to address this problem by providing tangible benefits to farmers, incentivizing them to adopt alternative methods while safeguarding the environment.
The proposition stands as a promising solution that aligns with the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices. By introducing cash incentives, he aims to encourage farmers to explore and adopt alternative methods of stubble disposal. The proposed incentive program is envisioned to support and promote eco-friendly agricultural practices.
Mann said the Punjab government told the Commission for Air Quality Management chairman that if the Centre gives Rs 1,000, the state can contribute Rs 1,500 so that a total Rs 2,500 per acre can be given to the farmers for not burning the paddy stubble.
The monetary benefits provided to farmers would serve as a catalyst for change, offering them a viable and attractive alternative to burning, thereby breaking the cycle of this environmentally damaging tradition. Furthermore, it seeks to invest in technologies and methods that enable farmers to manage crop residue without resorting to burning.
Mann’s advocacy for cash incentives to dissuade stubble burning represents a significant step toward sustainable agricultural practices in Punjab. It not only addresses the immediate concern of environmental pollution but also prioritizes the long-term well-being of the farming community.
