Khanna 22 August (CNI) Stubble burning has emerged as a major problem in Punjab leading to pollution of the environment as well as a major health hazard for many. To spread awareness about management of agricultural residue, Confederation of Indian Industry organised a special interaction with Dr Arshdeep Singh, Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, at Primary School, Mehandipur village in Khanna today. As many as 150 saplings of Gulmohar, Sukhchain, Kachnaar and Kaner were also distributed among participants as part of the plantation drive organised today.
Dr Arshdeep said, “Currently 20 MT agriculture of paddy is being produced in Punjab and 75% of paddy straw is burnt. Harmful effects of burning paddy straw are now widely known as this causes the soil to lose its nutrients thus bringing down its fertility. Instead of burning straw, farmers must make use of different kinds of machinery instead like straw reaper. Since manual digging of stubble is not possible, using such machines is the most effective solution.”
Famers of the village and nearby villages, including many village heads, Mr Baldev Singh Amar, Convener, CII Ludhiana Zonal Council and Director, Amar Agricultural Implement Works, Mr Gaurav Sehgal, Vice Chairman, CII Ludhiana Zonal Council, and CII members Mr Inderjit Nagpal, Mr Rajan Kapoor, Mr Ambrish Jain, Mr S P Singh, Mr U S Ahuja, Mr Vishal Juneja, Mr Rajan Kapoor took part in the interaction.
