Instead of burning paddy straw, farmers can sell it to generate extra income: DC

Ludhiana:     Deputy Commissioner Mr Varinder Kumar Sharma today urged the farmers that instead of burning paddy straw, they should instead sell it to companies that generate electricity from it. The Deputy Commissioner today visited one such plant named Shri Ganesh Edibles Pvt Ltd, situated on Amloh Road, near here. He was also accompanied by SDM Khanna Mr Sandeep Singh Garha.

    While urging the farmers to not burn paddy straw, Mr Varinder Kumar Sharma said that we all know that burning of paddy straw is not only very harmful for our environment, but also causes several diseases. He said that there are several ways for the management of paddy straw with the farmers.

    He informed that Shri Ganesh Edibles Pvt Ltd is collecting paddy straw from around 35000 acres of land in Ludhiana and Fatehgarh Sahib districts and generate electricity from it. He said that the farmers can easily earn handsome income if they choose to sell the paddy straw instead of burning it. 

    Mr Hans Raj Garg, Director, Shri Ganesh Edibles Pvt Ltd, informed that they collect paddy straw from around 35000 acres of land. He informed that they pay around Rs 2500-3000 per acre to the farmers for collecting paddy straw. He informed that a large number of farmers in various villages have been associated with them, from whom they collect paddy straw. He said that by selling the paddy straw, the farmers can not only earn but can also contribute in saving our environment. He said that with the help of paddy straw, their company generates around 6,000 units per day, that can be extended further.

    The Deputy Commissioner urged other corporate houses to also come forward and set up such power plants in their premises. He said that if corporate houses set up such plants, it can help in finding a permanent solution to the problem of paddy straw burning.