Sunam, November 10:- Chief Agriculture Officer, Sangrur, Dr. Harbans Singh Sidhu, appealed to farmers not to burn paddy straw under any circumstances. He said that after harvesting paddy, farmers should ensure proper management of straw according to the condition of their fields, using a baler or other suitable machinery meant for Crop Residue Management (CRM).
Dr. Sidhu visited Chhajli village in Sunam block, where paddy straw was being collected into bales using a baler in a field. He inspected the ongoing work at the spot. Baling makes it easier to collect paddy straw from fields and transport it. Through this method, farmers can prepare their fields for the next crop without burning the straw.
Not burning paddy straw reduces the spread of smoke and fine particles in the air. This helps keep the air clean in villages and surrounding areas. It also reduces the risk of poor visibility caused by smoke on roads near agricultural fields. Moreover, avoiding straw burning prevents the risk of fire spreading to nearby fields, trees or other property.
Refraining from burning paddy straw protects the upper layer of soil from intense heat and safeguards the beneficial microorganisms present in it. Where straw is managed within the field, its gradual decomposition adds organic matter and nutrients back into the soil. A layer of straw on the field surface also helps reduce the evaporation of moisture from the soil.
Dr. Sidhu encouraged farmers to spread the message of not burning paddy straw in their villages as well.
On this occasion, Assistant Agricultural Engineer Eng. Gurinder Singh, Agriculture Development Officer Dr. Narinderpal Singh and Agricultural Sub-Inspector Harvinder Singh were also present.
