District Administration Urges Farmers to Stop Burning Wheat Residue, Promote Sustainable Practices

The district administration has recently issued a fresh appeal to farmers, urging them to refrain from burning wheat stubble as part of efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices. While the number of farm fires in the district has decreased compared to previous years, Deputy Commissioner Harpreet Singh Sudan emphasizes the importance of ending this harmful practice.

According to official data, the district reported only nine farm fire incidents on Sunday, marking a significant reduction compared to previous statistics. Since April 1, a total of 653 farm fire incidents have been recorded, reflecting the administration's continued efforts to tackle this issue.

Deputy Commissioner Sudan highlights the adverse effects of burning crop residue, stating that it deteriorates soil fertility and necessitates increased fertilizer usage. Moreover, the smoke emanating from these fires has been linked to road accidents, leading to loss of life. Additionally, the fires damage numerous trees and saplings in agricultural fields and along roads each year.

Also Read: Famer Give Away 4 Tons of Mangoes for Free, Protests Against Suppressed Prices by Traders

To address this issue, the government has provided farmers and farmer groups with machinery for alternative crop residue management at subsidized rates. Custom hiring centers have also been established to facilitate farmers' access to these machines.

Deputy Commissioner Sudan acknowledges that a significant portion of the farming community has already abandoned the practice of burning crop residue. He emphasizes the gradual shift in mindset among farmers, as they increasingly embrace sustainable methods of agriculture.

Jatinder Singh Gill, Chief Agriculture Officer, highlights the benefits of allowing crop residue to decompose naturally in the fields. This practice enhances soil fertility by increasing the availability of essential nutrients, resulting in improved crop growth and yield, thereby reducing the dependence on chemical fertilizers.

Also Read: Chaos in Afghanistan: Locusts Swarm Threatening to Devour 25% of Wheat Harvest, FAO Warns

The district administration remains committed to promoting sustainable farming practices and protecting the environment. By encouraging farmers to adopt alternative crop residue management techniques, the administration aims to preserve soil health, mitigate road accidents caused by smoke, and safeguard the district's agricultural landscape for future generations.

Farmers are urged to seize this opportunity and contribute to the transition towards sustainable agriculture, ensuring a brighter and more prosperous future for both the farming community and the environment.

Source-The Tribune

Also Read: J&K: Modern Tractor Threshers Revolutionize Wheat Farming in Udhampur District