BHOPAL: The state government in a bid to discourage farmers from burning plant residue or narwai has proposed to impose a penalty of Rs 2,500 to Rs 15,000 on any person found burning narwai in farms.
Deputy director, agriculture, BL Bilaiya said farmers are using combined harvesters for crop harvesting, thereby leaving narwai (plant residue) in the farms itself, which they burn at a later stage. The burning process not only pollutes the atmosphere but also affects the quality of soil and normal life.
In this process, temperature of soil surface rises up to 60-65 degrees and the soil-friendly bacteria and pests are killed. These bacteria and pets convert fertiliser into soluble elements and provide nutrition to plants.
He said that a notification issued by the environment ministry has specified a penalty of Rs 2,500 if narwai is burnt in a farm measuring 2 acre, Rs 5,000 for a farm measuring 5 acre and Rs 15,000 for a farm bigger than that.He appealed to farmers not to burn narwai and let it mix with the soil during ploughing using rotavator and other agricultural equipment or convert them into straw using straw reaper, which can be used as cattle feed. One quintal of straw costs Rs 600 to Rs 800 in the market , which the farmers could use as additional income if they don't have cattle, he said.
In a separate press note, district administration said that use of straw reapers with combined harvesters is compulsory. ition. Advocate Alok Vagreja appeared in the case on behalf of the petitioner.
