Tummala Appeals to Farmers to Stop Burning Crop Stubble
Nageswara Rao also said the stubble burning had even resulted in the death of farmers who got caught in the blaze
HYDERABAD: Agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao on Tuesday urged farmers not to burn crop stubble in their fields, and directed agriculture department officials to mount a statewide awareness programme against the practice. He said the government was laying a special emphasis on prevention of stubble burning, which not only cause health issues among people but also result in severe nutrient loss in the soil.
Addressing the weekly ‘Rythu Nestham’ programme, Nageswara Rao directed officials to ensure stubble burning came to a halt and minister called for an extensive farmer education drive. He also called on all public elected representatives, voluntary organizations to join in this effort.
Nageswara Rao also said the stubble burning had even resulted in the death of farmers who got caught in the blaze. The government, he said, was ready to provide equipment that the farmers can use to mulch the stubble into the ground, an act that will also result in the soil becoming nutrient rich before the next crop season.
Senior agriculture department officials who attended the meeting said that farmers who burn crop residues could be penalised under environment protection laws.
