Industry bodies get together with farmers to curb stubble burning

NEW DELHI: Industry bodies Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) have joined hands with the Punjab government to support farmers adopt alternative stubble-management techniques.

The two industry bodies are supporting the state government in a programme called “Sukh da Saah” (breath of peace) that aims to ensure 100% stoppage of stubble burning across 6,700 acres of farmland covering two farmer cooperatives in Jasso Majra and Mallewar, Nabha block, Patiala from October to December.

“Every year, the air quality worsens in large parts of the country, especially in the North, as farmers are forced to burn the paddy stubble due to lack of on-ground support in terms of mechanisation and operators,” a SIAM statement read.

Crop stubble burning is one of the biggest causes of air pollution in the national capital. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had, in March, approved promotion of agricultural mechanisation for in-situ management of crop residue in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and NCT.

The Punjab government, through the department of agriculture and Punjab Pollution Control Board is taking steps to curb the problem.