38 farmers face two-season MSP ban over stubble fires

In a strong move to curb stubble burning, the Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare Department has barred 38 farmers from selling their crops in the next two procurement seasons. This action has been initiated after the department’s Director issued a circular recently, instructing authorities to take strict measures against those found burning crop residue. The red entry has been marked in the ‘Meri Fasal, Mera Byora’ (MFMB) records of these farmers, effectively preventing them from selling their produce through the e-Kharid portal, which ensures procurement at MSP.

The circular emphasised the need for stringent action, including filing FIRs against farmers engaged in stubble burning and marking their records to bar them from the procurement process for two seasons. It also warned of consequences for government officials found negligent in preventing such incidents.

“We have already registered nine FIRs, and following the Director’s directions, red entries have been marked in the MFMB records of the farmers,” said Dr Wazir Singh, Deputy Director Agriculture (DDA) Karnal.

As per the satellite data, 67 active fire locations (AFLs) have been reported so far, of which 10 cases were not found, while 10 were found as accidental fire incidents. One case was reported outside the district. A total of 39 farmers have been fined, amounting to Rs 1,07,500, for violating stubble burning regulations.

In Karnal tehsil area, a fine of Rs 27,500 has been imposed on 11 farmers, Rs 22,500 on eight farmers of the Indri tehsil area, Rs 7,500 on two farmers of the Nilokheri tehsil area, Rs 30,000 on 11 farmers in the Gharaunda area, Rs 2,500 on one farmer in the Ballah tehsil area, Rs 7,500 on two farmers in Assandh tehsil, and Rs 10,000 on four farmers in the Nissing area, the DDA said.

Dr Singh said: “We have expanded our teams to 550 members, including employees from agriculture, revenue, and panchayat departments, to check stubble burning cases and raise awareness among farmers,” he added.

Karnal DC Uttam Singh said a strict action would also be taken against officials found negligent in preventing stubble burning incidents.