Consistent efforts of Punjab Government led to 30 percent reduction in stubble burning incidents: Meet Hayer

Science Technology & Environment Minister addresses workshop on Crop Residue Management for Sustainable Agriculture Management

Chandigarh: Highlighting the efforts of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led state Government to control the stubble burning by in-situ and ex-situ methods, Science Technology & Environment Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer divulged that the stubble burning incidence have been reduced to 30% in comparison to the previous year with the consistent efforts of Agriculture Department, Punjab Pollution Control Board and other stakeholder departments.

The Centre for Human Rights and Duties, Panjab University in collaboration with Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Haryana organized a workshop on “Dissemination cum Consultation Workshop on Crop Residue Management for Sustainable Agriculture Management” today in Golden Jubilee Hall, Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister further said that the Government is committed to provide clean air to the residents of Punjab. Meet Hayer also released the report prepared by the Principal Investigator and coordinator of the above workshop Prof. Dr. Namita Gupta under the project on “Crop Residue Management for Sustainable Agriculture”. A calendar prepared by Kheti Virasat Mission was also released.

The Power & PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, delivered the presidential address. Dr. K.C. Banger, Chairman, State Advisory Committee, Sh.Narhari Singh Banger, IAS, Director Department of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Haryana given the special address to the gathering. Dr. Umendra Dutt, Kheti Virasat Mission, Faridkot, Punjab delivered the speech on Diversification of Crop and benefit of in-situ remediation.

Prof. Dr Adarsh Pal Vig, Chairman, Punjab Pollution Control Board, Punjab also narrated the benefits of the various techniques available to curb the menace of air pollution due to stubble burning. He said that the farmers can be benefitted by making bails, briquettes / pallets from stubble to be utilized as fuel in industries / brick kilns.

The Vote of thanks was extended by Dr.Upneet Kaur Mangat, Chairperson, Centre for Human Rights and Duties, Panjab University.