PUNJAB MAKES RED ENTRIES IN LAND RECORDS OF OVER 4K FARMERS

STUBBLE FIRES

CHANDIGARH : The Punjab revenue department has marked red entries into the land records of 4,342 farmers, who resorted to the burning of paddy stubble on their farms during the paddy harvest season.

According to the agriculture department, 97% paddy harvest in the state has already been done and wheat has been sown over more than 80% area.

Though the impact of red entries is still to be seen. As per the decision of the state government once a red entry is made, a farmer may not be able to take a loan against the said land, mortgage it or sell it. Also, 6,180 farmers have been imposed environmental compensation (penalty) for violating the government orders of not burning the paddy straw. However, the rate recovery was negligible as till November 14, a total of ₹1.58 crore penalty was imposed on the farmers, and only ₹12,500 have been recovered.