Villagers clueless about alternatives to stubble burning

 

 

Amid the eye-opening cases of stubble burning in the State as it tops in the country leaving behind Punjab, there is more surprising facts coming to fore when ‘The Hitavada’ visited the fields. Most of the villgers to whom the ‘The Hitavada’ contacted residing at the edge of State capital are (in Bhopal division) are not aware with the consequence of burning crop residue. ‘The Hitavada’ has spoken to some of the farmers of Bilkheda and Khajuri villages in the Huzur tehsil and found out that they are still burning their crop residue in the field. Unaware villagers continued this practice till last month (November) when the higher officials were passing orders to go tough against those engaged in stubble burning. District adminstration is slapping fines on defaulters instead of conducting drive to make innocent farmers aware with the adverse effects of this practice on the enviroment. Ramesh Chandra, a farmer from Huzur villege, said “Every year we used to burn residue here (farm) only. We don’t any other options since generation to generation we are doing this only.”

 

When asked about any visit by any official or field staff from the administration to make them aware, the farmer said, “No, we have never ever been asked for this. First time, we are hearing from you , we should not burn it in farmland.” “We have no other option to take this huge amount of residue to other place. We don’t even know where we should take this.” Surprisingly, this was not an exception, other villagers too were of the same opinion. Although the administration has imposed a ban on burning stubble and has made arrangements for alternative methods of disposal, these initiatives or resources do not seem to have reached the farmers. The farmers also mentioned that they are aware that the Government is addressing the issue of stubble, but they have not been informed about any specific measures or options available to them. The district administration of Bhopal had previously issued an order prohibiting the burning of crop residue (parali). However, when we spoke to the farmers from Bilkheda and Khajuri villages in the Huzur tehsil of Bhopal, they informed that the Government or the Municipal Corporation has not provided them with any guidelines on how or where to dispose of the crop residue. Despite the administration’s ban on burning stubble, the farmers mentioned that they have not received any information on alternative ways to manage it.

 

When contacted the officials about the issue of crop residue burning, they informed that strict action would be taken against those who continue to burn stubble . Under the Indian Citizens Protection Act, Section 183, violators will face punitive measures. Additionally, the officials explained that the Agriculture Department conducts campaigns to promote the disposal of crop residue using machines, which shred the Stubble and convert it into fodder. It was also enquired about how this message reaches the farmers, encouraging them to avoid burning stubble and instead use machines to convert it into useful fodder. The official mentioned that such information is frequently shared through the news, which should keep farmers informed. However, the farmers responded by stating that no agricultural officers, SDMs, or Tehsildars have visited their villages to provide guidance on how to properly manage crop residue. They expressed that without direct communication from Government officials, they have no way of knowing the proper methods for disposing of stubble. Despite the Government’s efforts, the lack of on-ground outreach is preventing farmers from accessing the necessary information and support to manage crop residue effectively.