Agriculture Minister urges farmers to turn stubble into ‘treasure’, not smoke

Referring to paddy stubble as ‘treasure’ for farmers, the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Shyam Singh Rana, encouraged farmers to view it as a valuable resource than burning it. He also highlighted that effective stubble management is crucial not only for farmers but also for the environment, as it enriches the soil with nutrients and reduces the need for fertilizers.

“Stubble is a treasure for the farming community. Farmers can earn profit by utilising it. Incorporating stubble in fields not only increases soil fertility but also prevents pollution, helping maintain a clean environment,” said Rana on Wednesday during his visit to the fields of a progressive farmer, Vikas Choudhary, in Taraori.

Rana praised Choudhary’s 16-year commitment to sustainable farming practices, specifically zero-tillage, which minimises soil disturbance, conserves moisture, and reduces crop residue burning, as per Deputy Director Agriculture (DDA) Dr Wazir Singh. The Agriculture Minister demonstrated stubble management using Happy Seeder and Super Seeder machines, showcasing their effectiveness.

To support farmers, Rana announced plans to pave farm paths across the state, improving access to fields. The Haryana government is also providing subsidies for stubble management machines, with intentions to increase support in the coming years.

Emphasising the importance of clean air, Rana stressed that burning stubble is both a legal offense and a moral issue. “Farmers should use machines for stubble management to curb air pollution, acknowledging Haryana’s significant contribution to national food production,” he said.