In Haryana, Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal has issued directives to take strict action against responsible officials for the incidents of crop residue burning and to initiate decisive measures. During a review meeting in the efforts to address crop residue burning in Haryana, Kaushal emphasized the need for collaborative efforts at the district, block, and village levels, involving agricultural and police department officials, to monitor and clamp down on fires in fields. He also highlighted the importance of dealing with industrial fires.
He stated that anyone causing harm to the environment is an enemy of humanity and emphasized the importance of strict action against those violating anti-crop residue burning rules. He urged local authorities to collaborate with agricultural leaders and raise awareness about government incentives to discourage field fires. During his field visits, Kaushal emphasized the importance of providing equipment to small and marginal farmers to effectively manage crop residue. He stated that this step ensures that even the smallest farmers have access to the necessary tools for proper crop residue management.
He mentioned that the state has witnessed a reduction of nearly 50% in incidents of crop residue burning between 2021 and 2022 through various measures. This year, the state aims to manage 3.7 million tons of paddy straw, with approximately a third of this resource being reused by industries. It is estimated that major industries may consume around 1.354 million metric tons of paddy straw. The government's plan includes promoting the cultivation of paddy on five lakh acres through the Pusa Bio-Decomposer.
To encourage in-situ and ex-situ management of crop residues in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi's NCR, the central government has allocated 300 crore rupees under a sponsored scheme to promote agricultural mechanization.
Financial incentives are provided under various schemes, such as 1,000 rupees per acre for in-situ or ex-situ management of rice residue, 7,000 rupees per acre for diversification of paddy fields with alternative crops, and 4,000 rupees per acre for adopting direct seeding of rice, as part of the "Mera Pani, Meri Virasat" scheme. Read More.... Mandi Prices
The Department of New and Renewable Energy, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, has identified biomethane-producing groups near various industries. Panchayats reaching zero incidents in red zones will be rewarded with one lakh rupees, while villages reaching zero incidents in yellow zones will receive 50,000 rupees as an incentive. Additionally, a transportation charge of 500 rupees per acre has been fixed to support gaushalas (cow shelters), with a maximum limit of 15,000 rupees.
Several districts have shown significant improvement in tackling fire incidents related to crop residue burning. Karnal recorded an exceptional decrease of 68.51% in such incidents, reducing from 956 in 2021 to just 301 in 2022. Faridabad displayed notable progress with a 66.67% reduction, reducing incidents from three to only one. Panipat witnessed a commendable 66.54% reduction, decreasing incidents from 254 to 85. Hisar made significant strides with a 53.06% reduction, decreasing incidents from 245 to 115. Fatehabad also showed substantial improvement, with a 48.14% reduction, decreasing incidents from 1,479 to 767. Jind recorded a 44.63% reduction, decreasing incidents from 912 to 505. Kaithal demonstrated its commitment with a 42.56% reduction, reducing incidents from 1,163 to 668. Kurukshetra showed impressive progress with a 44.24% reduction, reducing incidents from 538 to 300.
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