BKU(L) demands aid plan for farmers to stop stubble burning

Ferozepur, October 5, 2017:  Bharti Kissan Union (L) led by Amrik Singh, District President today staged dharna in front of the office of the Deputy Commissioner to register their protest to stop stubble burning by the Punjab Government and demanded aid plan for farmers on this account.

Earlier, under the crop residue management, the agriculture department has made it mandatory to attach the Super Straw Management System – an improved technology for farmers to management straw – with the harvesting combines enabling the farmers to sow wheat after the harvest of paddy and vice-versa.

While in the next paddy-harvesting season, the government will not allow the use of old technique combine harvesters which do not have a Super Straw Management System – SMS, attached to them the owners of combine harvesters in the state have decided to boycott harvesting if the agriculture department  compel them to do so.

The recent offer of the National Thermal Power Corporation – NTPC –had raised a hope of controlling of pollution this year by purchasing the agricultural residue from farmers but authorities are doubtful if a business strategy can be developed within such a short span of time.

Later a memorandum was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, Ferozepur stating that farmer is helpless and not a hobby, for burning of stubble in the fields. Farmers is already living below the poverty line and cannot procure the costly agriculture implements for consuming the stubble in the fields itself, said Amrik Singh.

He further said, in case the government is adamant to implement the NGT – National Green Tribunal, then it should be put into practice from both the angles. According to it, the government should provide the farmers the requirement equipments besides due cash compensation otherwise farmers are left with no alternative except to but the straw.

Making it clear to the government, he said, in case any official come to the farmer to stop burning of stubble, he should come along with a copy of the NGT and in case the burning of stubble is stopped forcible, there is likely to be a confrontation between the government and the farmers. He said, a aid plan may be prepared by the government to stop stubble burning.

A number of farmers participated in today’s agitation from the district to express their resentment towards the government.