Agriculture Department appeals to adopt eco-friendly farming practices; highlights health and environmental hazards of stubble burning
Published on: November 13, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Over 80% of Rajnandgaon district’s population depends on agriculture, with around 1.83 lakh hectares under Kharif crops—mostly paddy cultivation. After the harvest, many farmers traditionally burn crop residue (stubble) in their fields to prepare for Rabi sowing. However, this practice has become a serious environmental concern, causing damage to soil fertility, human health, and overall ecosystem balance.
Environmental and Health Hazards:
Burning stubble destroys essential soil nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur, reducing soil productivity. The thick smoke and fine dust released during burning lead to severe air pollution, increasing respiratory illnesses, eye irritation, and heart problems. The practice also poses legal consequences, as stubble burning is a punishable offense with fines and penalties under environmental laws.
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Sustainable Alternatives for Farmers:
Officials from the Agriculture Department have advised farmers to use modern equipment such as rotavators, happy seeders, and super straw management systems to mix crop residue into the soil. Farmers can also convert stubble into organic manure through composting or bio-decomposer solutions, or use it as animal feed and bedding material.
The department emphasized the message — “Clean Fields, Healthy Farmers” — urging cultivators to adopt environment-friendly farming methods. These sustainable practices will not only preserve soil fertility but also safeguard public health and contribute to a cleaner environment.
