DC educates farmers on stubble burning hazards

Raikot (Ludhiana), July 22, 2025: Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain on Tuesday visited Raikot to raise awareness among farmers about the harmful effects of burning paddy stubble. During his visit, he engaged with farmers, encouraged them to manage paddy straw, and emphasized the importance of sustainable practices to make district stubble-burning-free.
In his address, Jain stated that burning paddy stubble releases toxic gases that harm human health and the environment. This practice also destroys vital soil nutrients and micronutrients, leading to long-term soil degradation. In contrast, managing crop residue with modern techniques can significantly enhance soil health, benefiting both the environment and agricultural productivity, he added. 
To support farmers, Deputy Commissioner informed that the district has provided approximately 9,000 machines, including balers, rakes, super seeders, smart seeders, surface seeders, zero drills, RMB ploughs, mulchers, straw choppers, super SMS, crop reapers, rotary slashers, and tractors through custom hiring centres, co-operative societies and farm groups. This year, 600 new machines have been sanctioned, with 300 already purchased by farmers, making advanced technology more accessible for effective stubble management.
Jain also highlighted that in Ludhiana, paddy is cultivated on 2.58 lakh hectares, producing an estimated 16.50 lakh tonnes of stubble this season. Instead of burning, farmers can incorporate stubble into the soil or use it to produce fertilizers and power. These alternatives not only prevent environmental harm but also offer opportunities to supplement farmers' income through innovative uses of crop residue.
The Deputy Commissioner urged farmers to act responsibly and refrain from stubble burning for the greater good of the community. By adopting modern equipment and sustainable practices, farmers can contribute to a cleaner, healthier Ludhiana. 
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Assistant Commissioner (UT) Dr Pragati Rani, SDM Raikot Upinderjeet Kaur Brar, Chief Agriculture Officer Dr Gurdeep Singh and others.