Haryana govt subsidy for farmers to use up stubble

Plans to generate 50 MW electricity from crop residue

An Indian farmer burns paddy stubble in a field near the Indian Pakistan Wagah Border, about 35 kms from Amritsar on October 29, 2016. Every year around this time, farmers in Haryana and Punjab set paddy stubble ablaze to prepare ground for the next crop. In the process, the fires damage soil quality and cause heavy pollution but the farmers say they have no alternative. / AFP PHOTO / NARINDER NANU

With a view to reduce pollution in the State, the Haryana government on Monday announced that it would give subsidy of ₹61 crore to farmers for the optimum utilisation of crop residue up to December 2017.

Renewable energy plants are being established for utilising the crop residue and there is a plan to generate 50 MW electricity from the stubble.

The decision was taken at the 7th State-level meeting of a committee constituted to reduce pollution in National Capital Region, held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary D. S. Dhesi in Chandigarh.

The panel was informed by the Agriculture Department that farmers were being encouraged not to burn crop residue and cases were being registered against violators.

236 FIRs so far

As many as 2,955 cases of crop residue burning have so far come to light and 236 FIRs have been registered.

As compared to last year, the cases of crop residue burning are considerably less this year.

The Chief Secretary was informed by the Industries Department that as per the directions of the Supreme Court, the use of Pet Coke and Furnace Oil has been prohibited with effect from November 1, 2017.