Deputy Commissioner SAS Nagar, Mrs. Komal Mittal, interacted with farmers to sensitize them about sustainable ways of managing paddy straw without resorting to stubble burning during awareness camps at village Basma (Mohali) and Chandiala (Derabassi), today. Addressing the farmers, the Deputy Commissioner commended the positive initiative of farmers of Basma and Chandiala Kalan, who in recent years have significantly reduced stubble burning.
She said this progressive shift not only helps in protecting the environment and reducing pollution, but also plays a crucial role in preserving soil fertility for future crops. “The farmers of Basma and Chandiala Kalan have set an inspiring example by adopting crop residue management machinery and shunning the practice of stubble burning.
Other villages must also follow their lead. This is not just compliance with law but a meaningful contribution towards ensuring clean air and fertile soil for future generations,” said, Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal. The DC further explained that burning paddy straw leads to loss of valuable nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, and sulphur, while incorporating the residue into soil improves fertility and reduces fertilizer costs.
She reiterated that the district administration and agriculture department stand fully committed to supporting farmers with subsidies, machinery, and technical guidance for managing stubble in an eco-friendly manner. During the camps, officers of the Agriculture Department shared detailed information about available subsidies, CRM machinery, new seed varieties, and best practices for wheat sowing.
Demonstrations of baler machines for preparing paddy straw bales were also witnessed at Sheikhpur Kalan and Karkaur by the DC. Farmers of Basma and Chandiala Kalan, along with local Panchayats, gave assurance that they would not burn paddy stubble and pledged to set an example for other villages.
As a mark of encouragement, progressive farmers adopting crop residue management practices were felicitated on the occasion. The DC also heard the demands of farmers and directed concerned departments to ensure early redressal.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) Sonam Chaudhary, SDM Mohali Damandeep Kaur, SDM Derabassi Amit Gupta, DSP Manpreet Singh, Naib Tehsildar Banur Amrita Aggarwal, Agriculture Officer Gurdial Kumar, Block Agriculture Officers Shubhkaran Singh and Sukhjinder Singh Bajwa, along with other officials from agriculture and allied departments were present.