Bihar CM Directs Officials to Prevent Stubble Burning in State

Stubble (parali) burning is a method of removing paddy crop residues from the field in order to sow wheat. Stubble burning is the process of igniting the straw stubble that remains after harvesting grains such as paddy, wheat, and others. It is usually required in areas where crop residue is left behind by the combined harvesting method.

During a 'Samadhan yatra' in Belchi sub-division of Patna district, the CM asked officials to make farmers aware of the negative effects of stubble burning.

"To protect environment and minimize the impacts of climate change, there should be a complete ban on stubble burning in the state. Officials should make certain that no stubble burning occurs in the state. Officials from the relevant departments must educate farmers about the negative environmental impact of stubble burning," said the CM.

The state government has already prohibited stubble burning in fields in order to reduce air pollution and preserve soil fertility. Previously, the CM had issued a strict warning to farmers that if they engaged in stubble burning on their farmlands, they would be denied financial assistance and subsidies under government schemes.

Among other things, the state provides farmers with cheaper electricity and subsidised diesel. Several farmers in Kaimur, Rohtas, Buxar, Nalanda, Gaya, and Patna districts have recently been penalized by the Agriculture department for violating stubble burning norms in the state.

"The move is intended to discourage farmers from burning stubble and harming the environment as well as the fertility of their farmland. Several measures are being implemented to discourage farmers from burning crop residues. "We have not only launched awareness campaigns, but we are also providing subsidies on various farm equipment," said a senior Agriculture Department official.