IEPChandigarh, June 22:
Haryana has been implementing proactive measures to transform paddy straw, which was once seen as an environmental hazard, into a valuable source to enhance farmers’ income. These measures include the announcement of a Common Determined Rate (CDR) of Rs. 2500 per Metric ton for paddy straw, as well as the continued provision of financial support for In-situ/Ex-situ techniques and the Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) technique in paddy cultivation.       Additionally, Haryana has successfully reduced farm fires by about 40 percent as compared to the previous year. These efforts underscore Haryana’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and its dedication to mitigate environmental challenges.       This was disclosed in the meeting conducted to review of the state’s actions plan and preparedness for tackling paddy straw burning by the Haryana Chief Secretary, Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal along withChairman of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Mr. M.M. Kutty here today. Additional Chief Secretary, Environment Department, Mr. Vineet Garg, Chairman Haryana Pollution Control Board, Mr. P. Raghavendra Rao and Director Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. Mr. Narhari Banger were present in the meeting, While all Deputy Commissioners attened meeting through Video Conferencing.       For achieving the goal of zero farm fires in the state, the Chief Secretary said that the state government has notified CDR of Rs. 2500 per metric ton, with an additional Rs. 500 per metric ton for moisture content below 20 percent. Moreover, Haryana is providing financial support to farmers, including Rs. 1000 per acre for In-situ/Ex-situ techniques, Rs. 7000 per acre under Mera Pani Meri Virasat Scheme and Rs. 4000 per acre for DSR technique in paddy cultivation. These initiatives aim to support farmers in maximizing their income while promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the state.       Mr. Kaushal emphasized the measures taken to convert paddy straw into biofuel. It was revealed during the meeting that the state government has set a target to utilize 13,54,850 metric tons of paddy straw in industrial units throughout Haryana. These initiatives showcase Haryana’s proactive stance towards sustainable agricultural practices and the effective utilization of agricultural waste for productive purposes.       In was apprised in the meeting that the Government of India under the Crop Residue Management scheme has allocated Rs. 300 crore for the promotion agricultural mechanism for In- situ management of Crop residue in the state of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh and NCT Delhi.       Mr. Kaushal emphasized the importance of promoting Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities in all districts, as well as raising awareness among farmers about the detrimental effects of stubble burning. He urged Deputy Commissioners to actively engage with farmers’ unions. As per the district’s action plan, he directed the immediate activation of relevant groups, while personally monitoring progress on a daily basis. In addition, the Deputy Commissioner should convene separate meetings with concerned officers every 15 days. To disseminate information about incentive amounts provided to farmers and the availability of agricultural equipment, press conferences should be organized. The Chief Secretary emphasized that stubble burning adversely affects the general public, hence educational institutions, religious organizations, and village panchayats should also be involved in raising awareness about this issue.The Chairman of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Mr. M. M Kutty said that Haryana has done better work in the direction of stubble management to reduce air pollution, but incidents of stubble burning have to be brought to zero. For this, the officers of the district administration need to work harder in this direction. Farmers should be provided with modern agricultural machinery so that stubble can be managed properly. He said that farmers of nearby districts should be made aware to deliver stubble to the ethanol plant set up at IOCL Panipat for stubble management. Inspire the farmers to adopt the stubble as a business instead of burning it. Apart from this, encourage industrial units to use the straw. He made it clear that the incidents of stubble burning in the NCR region would be closely monitored by the Commission, he added.No. IPRDH/2023Ravinder Singh
