Farmer fined Rs 5,000 for burning paddy stubble in Khammam

A farmer in Khammam district was fined Rs 5,000 by Thirumalapuram gram panchayat for burning paddy stubble, violating Telangana government norms. Officials warned against crop residue burning, citing environmental pollution, soil degradation, reduced fertility, and adverse impacts on agricultural productivity

Khammam: A farmer was fined Rs 5,000 by Thirumalapuram gram panchayat in Nelakondapalli mandal in the district for burning paddy stubble (crop residue), which has become a menace across the State recently.

The gram panchayat officials found the farmer, Banoth Krishna Rao burning stubble in his farm field at the village on Tuesday late evening hours; imposed fine and handed over the receipt to him with a warning not to resort to stubble burning.

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District agriculture officer D Pullaiah and district panchayat officer Rambabu stated that open burning crop residues is illegal and urged farmers to refrain from such practices. They advised farmers to use crop residue for producing compost or to use it as fuel at home.

Burning of crop residue not only increases environmental pollution but also destroys organic matter and beneficial microorganisms in the soil, thereby reducing soil fertility. It negatively impacts the yields of subsequent crops.

According to GO Ms. No 27 issued by the Telangana government burning of waste and crop residues in open areas is strictly prohibited. A penalty of Rs 5,000 would be imposed for each instance of burning crop residues on a small scale while a fine of up to Rs 25,000 would be imposed for large-scale burning of crop residues, they said.

The officials urged farmers to adopt alternative methods instead of burning crop residues, to act responsibly to ensure environmental protection, soil health conservation and increased agricultural productivity.