Stop Straw Blaze: PAU VC appeals to Punjab Farmers
In view of the directions from the Supreme Court of India asking the Punjab farmers to immediately stop stubble burning, the Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Dr Satbir Singh Gosal has appealed to the farmers to not burn crop residue as the residents were gasping for the breath due to severe air pollution.
Ludhiana, November 7, 2023: In view of the directions from the Supreme Court of India asking the Punjab farmers to immediately stop stubble burning, the Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Dr Satbir Singh Gosal has appealed to the farmers to not burn crop residue as the residents were gasping for the breath due to severe air pollution.
“Ever since November has started, paddy straw burning was on the rise,” he lamented, while retreating that the straw blaze must be stopped for humanitarian concern. Setting straw ablaze was not a sensible solution to vacate the fields for the wheat sowing, rather the smoke was being carried by the winds to other states, deteriorating the air quality and creating breather problems for the citizens, he observed. Stating that the Punjab farmers have always garnered admiration for being industrious and tenacious, Dr Gosal urged the rural community to not resort to burning of paddy stubble as it was not a healthy sign and bringing bad name to the farming community of Punjab. Adopt crop residue management technologies which PAU has been promoting via social, print and electronic media, he urged the farmers, while calling upon them to be wise and sensible as well as have mercy on the humanity.