Hyderabad: The agriculture department on Saturday urged farmers not to burn crop stubble, as it would not only result in atmospheric pollution but also destroy soil nutrients. In a statement, agriculture commissioner Dr B. Gopi, said stubble burning would impact people’s health because of the smoke and dust. Though stubble burning may appear as a quick solution to get rid of crop residue, farmers would suffer longer term problems.
“Stubble burning will affect soil nutrients, kill all beneficial insects and earthworms, which actually help in healthy growth of crops in the next season. It can severely impact the health of people, especially the aged, pregnant women and children as the burning stubble releases large volumes of toxic carbon monoxide, methane and other gases,” Dr Gopi said.
Instead of burning the stubble, farmers should mulch it back into the soil, or make bio fertiliser through vermicompost methods, or through other methods, he said. The agriculture commissioner directed field level department officers to inform and educate farmers on the dangers of stubble burning, and the benefits from recycling the same during the weekly Rythu Nestham programmes on Tuesdays.
Those who practice stubble burning could face penalties up to Rs 5,000 as per law, Dr Gopi added.
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