Combine sans Super SMS not allowed for harvesting

DC Himanshu Agarwal said on Monday that the district administration will ensure that farmers face no issues in the markets and the procurement of paddy will be conducted smoothly. He was addressing a meeting with farmers, combine owners, commission agents and rice millers. SSP (Rural) Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh was also present.

Agarwal assured farmers that all necessary arrangements had been made for the smooth procurement of paddy and their crops will be procured in a smooth way. He emphasised that the government stands with farmers and commission agents, ensuring no one will face any problems.

The DC instructed all combine owners to harvest paddy only with Super SMS-equipped machines. He stated that only harvesters with BIS certification should be used and no combine should be operated without Super SMS. He directed Agriculture Department officials to raise awareness among combine owners about the benefits of using Super SMS. A helpline number 0181-2225005 has been issued by the district administration for farmers needing assistance in installing Super SMS on their combines. The public and farmers can also report non-compliance of this regulation on the same number.

The DC and SSP mentioned that joint teams from the police and Agriculture Department will patrol villages. If any combine is found operating without Super SMS, it will be seized and appropriate action will be taken. Besides, harvesting with combines has been banned from 6 PM to 10 AM.

The DC introduced the district administration’s initiative, ‘Guardians of the Environment’, under which panchayats that avoid burning stubble will receive development works of Rs 1 lakh. He directed department officials to ensure the proper use of farming machinery available with cooperative societies and farmers’ groups.